30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo: Crispy, Creamy, and Bursting with Freshness!
Whip up this 30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo: golden salmon atop a creamy, lemony pasta packed with spinach. Perfect for quick, elegant dinners!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
- Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
I lay it all out and feel like I’m about to whip up something spectacular. This serves 4—perfect for a cozy dinner or seconds if I’m extra hungry. It’s my roadmap for a bright, creamy meal. I always check my supplies first—my trick to avoid mid-cook scrambles. Nothing’s worse than missing lemon halfway through, right? Keeps me calm and ready to roll.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Let’s dive in with zest!—pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning (I’m buzzing with excitement!). Rub it in—flavor’s starting (my kitchen’s smiling!).
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat a large skillet over medium-high—add 2 tablespoons olive oil (my kitchen’s sizzling!). When hot, place salmon in and sear 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). Lift out and set aside—crust perfection (my counter’s set!). It’s the crispy kickoff—pure skillet charm!
Step 3: Start the Orzo
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat (my heart’s racing for that aroma!). Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped shallot—cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant (my nose is in love!). It’s the savory base—pure flavor bloom!
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in ¼ cup white wine—scrape up those tasty browned bits (my kitchen smells like a bistro!). Let it bubble—bright and lively (my excitement’s climbing!). It’s the zesty lift—pure pan magic!
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Add 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth—bring to a simmer (my kitchen’s humming!). Stir in 1 ½ cups orzo pasta—cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and broth’s absorbed (my heart’s full!). Soft and chewy—pasta’s ready (my anticipation’s soaring!). It’s the hearty core—pure comfort rising!
Step 6: Make it Creamy
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (my hands are dancing!). Add ½ cup bell peppers or cherry tomatoes if using—mix until creamy (my counter’s vibrant!). Rich and zesty—sauce is born (my heart’s content!). It’s the silky finish—pure indulgence unfolding!
Step 7: Add Salmon and Spinach
Nestle the seared salmon back into the skillet—tuck in 2 cups baby spinach (my kitchen’s a garden!). Let it wilt 2-3 minutes—green and tender (my table’s waiting!). All together—pure harmony (my skillet’s glowing!). It’s the grand reunion—pure ready-to-eat glory!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Plate the salmon over orzo—sprinkle 1 teaspoon lemon zest if using and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (my kitchen’s a masterpiece!). Add extra Parmesan—serve hot (my heart’s singing!). Dig in—pure lemony love (my table’s a feast!). It’s the final flourish—total flavor hug!