Description
This Creamy Lemony Orzo with Seared Salmon is a delightful and elegant dish combining tender, garlic-toasted orzo pasta cooked in low-sodium chicken broth and enriched with heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh spinach stirred in for a boost of color and nutrients, it’s perfectly paired with beautifully seared salmon fillets for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic and toast the orzo: Heat a splash of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for no longer than 30 seconds to release its aroma without browning.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan and lightly toast it with the garlic for about a minute. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and gently stir to coat the orzo evenly. Let it cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish the orzo sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Sear the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Place the fillets skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Plate and serve: Spoon the creamy lemony orzo onto plates and top with the seared salmon fillets. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra fresh touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure the salmon fillets are patted dry before searing to get a nice, crispy crust.
