Description
Indulge in this flavor-packed, one-pan dinner that combines perfectly seared, Cajun-spiced salmon fillets with tender orzo pasta in a luxurious, creamy sauce. This gourmet-style meal is perfect for a busy weeknight, providing bold and smoky notes that are sure to impress. It is a comforting, balanced dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home table in less than 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup without sacrificing any quality.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets, skin removed
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (no MSG)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Pat the salmon dry and coat evenly with the Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the dry orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
Gently fold in the spinach until wilted.
Place the salmon back into the pan, nesting it into the orzo, and cover for 2 minutes to warm through.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth. If fillets are thin, reduce searing time to prevent overcooking. For extra texture, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed bell peppers. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with 1/4 of the orzo
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg