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Date Night Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Orzo

Course Main Course
Keyword Cast Iron, Date Night, Orzo, Parmesan, Salmon, Skillet, Spinach
Servings 0

Ingredients

  • Neutral cooking oil
  • 2 salmon filets, skin-on, about 6-8 oz. each
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Freshly cracked salt and pepper
  • 2 Tsbp butter
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half and half, plus more as needed
  • 2 handfuls baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1-2 Tbsp marscapone ch
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add a few tablespoons of cooking oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • While the skillet is heating, pat dry the salmon filets. Season the skin side with salt, and season the flesh side with freshly cracked salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • When the oil is heated, add both salmon filets skin-side down. Gently press on each salmon filet for a few seconds with a spatula.
  • Sear each side about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the filets reach 145 degrees F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Reduce skillet to medium and add butter. When melted, add the shallot and sauté a few minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté a minute longer until fragrant.
  • Add the orzo to the skillet and sauté about 3 - 5 minutes, or until the pasta develops a light golden color.
  • Pour in stock and half and half. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until most of the cooking liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be al dente. (Add additional water if needed.)
  • When the pasta has cooked, reduce heat to low.
  • Add Parmesan, marscapone and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Add a few more splashes of half and half, if needed, to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with more freshly cracked salt and pepper.
  • Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted, about a minute or so.
  • Carefully nestle salmon filets back into the skillet and heat until warmed through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more grated parmesan.