Seared Salmon with Creamy Lemon Orzo
🐟 Easy 30-Minute Seared Salmon with Creamy Lemon Orzo
Looking for a delicious dinner that feels fancy but is super easy to make? This Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo is just perfect! It’s all made in one pan, ready in 30 minutes, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself – this recipe is quick, tasty, and saves you from doing lots of dishes later.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Everything cooks in one skillet
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Healthy and comforting
- Creamy, lemony, cheesy orzo with perfectly cooked salmon
- Easy cleanup!
🛠️ What You’ll Need:
- A large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best)
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder or Italian seasoning
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small shallot (chopped)
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2½ cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Optional:
- Bell peppers or cherry tomatoes
- Lemon zest and fresh parsley for garnish
- Season salmon with salt, pepper, and your choice of seasoning.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear salmon fillets for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Take them out and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Orzo
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Sauté garlic and shallots for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in orzo and cook for about 10 minutes, until tender.
3. Add the Creamy Goodness
- Stir in cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- Add spinach and let it wilt.
- Place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
💡 Tips for Cooking:
- Don’t overcook the salmon! It’s done when it flakes easily and is light pink inside.
- For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest, fresh herbs, or a little spice like Cajun seasoning.
- If orzo absorbs too much liquid, you can add a splash more broth or cream.
🔁 Variations:
You can change things up based on what you have at home!
Swap salmon with:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Shrimp
- Cod or halibut
- Scallops
Change the veggies:
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Peas
- Asparagus
🥗 What to Serve With It:
- Fresh green salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
🧊 Storing Leftovers:
- Keep salmon and orzo in separate containers in the fridge (up to 3 days).
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave – don’t overcook the salmon!
📌 Final Thoughts:
This creamy, lemony orzo with seared salmon is comforting, quick, and absolutely delicious. It’s great for weeknights when you want something easy but satisfying. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite meal!
