Description
A delicious and creamy dish made with salmon and orzo pasta, enhanced with spinach and roasted red peppers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 fillets salmon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for orzo)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped (canned or jarred)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large, high-sided skillet on medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the skillet. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side up. Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes, then flip carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and wipe off excess fat with a paper towel, if needed.
- Add olive oil and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 6-10 minutes or until orzo is tender and cooked through.
- Add heavy cream, chopped roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach wilts.
- Return the cooked salmon back to the skillet. Let it warm through on medium heat. Garnish with fresh basil and coarsely ground black pepper.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs for garnish.
- You can substitute salmon with another fish or protein if desired.
- This dish is best served immediately for maximum creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg