Creamy Tuscan Salmon Orzo

By amanda

Hi there, food lover! 👋

There’s something magical about creamy one-pot dishes that warm both the belly and the heart. 💛 Creamy Tuscan Salmon Orzo is one of those comforting meals that taste like a little luxury but come together in under an hour. Imagine tender salmon fillets seared to perfection, nestled into silky orzo pasta that’s cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce, with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach adding bursts of color and flavor. 🍅🌿

This dish has roots in the rustic Tuscan kitchen, where simple, wholesome ingredients are transformed into hearty, soul-satisfying meals. It’s a recipe that feels traditional, yet modern enough for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to sit down and savor with loved ones.

So, grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine 🍷, and let’s create this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this creamy salmon orzo will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the rolling hills of Italy. 🇮🇹✨

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Orzo:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained & sliced)
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Prepare the Salmon 🐟
    Pat salmon fillets dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear the Salmon 🔥
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Build the Flavor Base 🧄
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Toast the Orzo 🍲
    Add orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
  5. Deglaze & Simmer 🍷
    Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits. Once reduced, add chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook Orzo ⏳
    Let orzo simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and creamy. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Add the Greens & Cheese 🌿🧀
    Stir in spinach until wilted. Mix in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  8. Nestle in the Salmon 🥘
    Return salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to reheat.
  9. Finish with Freshness 🍋
    Squeeze lemon juice over the dish, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~560
🍽️ Servings: 4

#️⃣ #TuscanRecipes #CreamySalmon #OnePotMeals #ComfortFood #ItalianInspired

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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