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Pan-Seared Salmon on Creamy Lemon Orzo Recipe

Pan-Seared Salmon on Creamy Lemon Orzo – French-style salmon fillets served on creamy, lemony parmesan orzo pasta, garnished with herbs.
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A vibrant and comforting dish featuring golden seared salmon atop a bed of creamy lemon orzo pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and a burst of citrus. Perfect for a gourmet weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 3 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g / 5–6 oz each)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 lemon (juice and slices)

For the Creamy Orzo:

 

  • 250 g (about 9 oz) orzo pasta

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable or chicken broth

  • 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream

  • 50 g (½ cup) grated parmesan

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • Chopped fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Salmon:
    Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Sear the fillets for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden outside and cooked through.
    Remove from the pan and set aside.

  • Cook the Orzo:
    In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute.
    Add the orzo and lightly toast for a minute.
    Gradually pour in the broth, stirring often until the orzo is tender (about 10–12 minutes).
    Stir in the cream, parmesan, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy and smooth.

 

  • Assemble and Serve:
    Place the salmon fillets back on top of the orzo.
    Garnish with lemon slices and chopped dill or parsley.
    Serve immediately, piping hot.

Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon for extra crispiness.

  • Add spinach or peas to the orzo for a veggie boost.

  • Adjust lemon intensity by adding more juice or zest to taste.

  • Substitute the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

  • Make it gluten-free by swapping orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Find it online: https://2thenextgen.com/pan-seared-salmon-on-creamy-lemon-orzo/