Description

A bright and hearty one-pan dinner featuring tender salmon over creamy orzo with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This flavorful dish is comforting yet balanced, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, skin removed

2 teaspoons Cajun or blackened seasoning

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large onion, diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved

1 pound baby spinach

3 cups low-sodium chicken stock

1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound orzo pasta

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat a large deep pan over medium heat with 4 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter.
Pat the salmon dry, season both sides with Cajun seasoning, then sear for about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover.
Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan, then cook the diced onion with a small pinch of salt for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and juicy.
Add spinach, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well, press spinach down, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8 minutes.
Uncover and nestle the salmon into the orzo. Cover again and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the orzo is tender and salmon is cooked through.
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and parsley. Adjust consistency with extra stock or olive oil if needed, season to taste, and serve warm.

Notes

Swap Cajun seasoning for Italian seasoning for a milder flavor.

Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a lighter taste.

Add grated Parmesan at the end for extra creaminess.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 985 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Fat: 58 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 48 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg