Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon is a comforting yet refreshing pasta dish made with tender salmon, silky orzo, and a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add orzo and stir to coat, then pour in chicken broth. Simmer until the orzo is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add Parmesan and mix until creamy.
- Fold in spinach if using and let it wilt. Return salmon to the skillet to warm through.
- Garnish with parsley and a bit of extra lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg