One Skillet Salmon Lemon Orzo (Print-Friendly Format)

Salmon and lemony orzo paired with spinach and Parmesan for a quick, flavorful meal.

# Required Ingredients:

01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets
02 - 1 teaspoon salt, divided
03 - 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
04 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
08 - 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
09 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 5 ounces baby spinach
14 - juice from ½ lemon
15 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - freshly ground black pepper, for serving
17 - chili flakes, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Sprinkle salmon fillets with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder evenly on both sides.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove salmon and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
04 - Add dry orzo and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring to coat the orzo in the butter and aromatics.
05 - Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
06 - Uncover and fold in baby spinach and lemon juice. Stir until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
07 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with remaining salt and black pepper to taste.
08 - Place the seared salmon fillets back in the skillet on top of the orzo mixture. Serve with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes, if desired.

# Additional Information:

01 - Ensure the skillet lid fits tightly to cook the orzo evenly.