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Seared Salmon Orzo Pasta Bowl with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

Seared Salmon Orzo Pasta Bowl with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

This Seared Salmon Orzo Pasta Bowl with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe is a quick, flavorful dish that will impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 597

Ingredients
  

Seafood
  • 4 filets salmon approximately 3 to 4 oz each
Spices
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Oils
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
Pasta
  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
Liquids
  • 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
  • 2 Tbsp lemon zest
Vegetables
  • 1 cup baby spinach
Cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat salmon filets dry with paper towels. Drizzle salmon with some olive oil, then season with paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper, rubbing the seasonings into the fish.
  2. Heat a large skillet over MED HIGH heat. Once hot, add remaining olive oil. Add seasoned salmon filets and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.
  3. To the same skillet, add dried orzo pasta and cook, stirring often for about a minute until lightly toasted.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo has absorbed most of the broth and is al dente.
  5. Add baby spinach, stirring it into the orzo, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted. Lower the heat to MED or MED LOW, then stir in heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the orzo. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Gently nestle the salmon filets back into the skillet with the orzo, letting them warm through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 597kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30g

Notes

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or arugula and play with herbs such as dill or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

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