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–+ servings

Sun-Dried & Fresh Tomato Salmon Orzo

A bright, comforting dinner that tastes like summer no matter the season — golden salmon over creamy Parmesan orzo, with cherry and sun-dried tomatoes bursting into a silky, quietly luxurious sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and sliced
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh basil torn
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions
 

  • Season the salmon: pat the fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Sear until golden: heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon (skin-side down if using skin-on fillets) and cook 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until deeply golden and flaky. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  • Build the flavor: reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Cook 4–5 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes soften and burst into a light sauce.
  • Toast the orzo: stir in the dry orzo and cook about 1 minute.
  • Simmer: pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Make it creamy: reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, then the Parmesan, until the sauce is smooth and silky.
  • Finish with fresh ingredients: fold in the baby spinach until just wilted, then stir in the lemon juice to brighten.
  • Serve: spoon the orzo into shallow bowls, nestle a salmon fillet on top of each, and finish with torn basil, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

Serve with warm crusty bread and a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil, lemon, and flaky sea salt. Finish with fresh berries or a scoop of lemon sorbet.
Keyword creamy pasta, one-pan dinner, orzo, salmon, sun-dried tomato
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