Description
This Creamy Salmon Orzo with Spinach and Bell Pepper is a comforting and elegant one-skillet meal featuring tender seared salmon fillets served over a rich and creamy orzo pasta cooked with roasted red bell peppers, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines savory, smoky, and tangy flavors for a perfect dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Orzo and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for orzo)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep and Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season each side evenly with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This step is important for achieving a perfect golden crust when searing.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Wipe out any excess fat from the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast and Cook the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly golden. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, roasted red bell peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and lemon juice. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Finish the Dish: Gently place the cooked salmon back into the skillet to warm through. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning is key to getting a nice sear and preventing steaming.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian-friendly.
- If preferred, use low-fat cream or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- To save time, roast your own bell peppers or use store-bought jarred roasted red peppers.
- Fresh basil garnish is optional but adds a nice aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salmon orzo recipe, creamy salmon pasta, quick dinner with salmon, one skillet salmon dish, spinach and bell pepper pasta
