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- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and trimmed - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. The salmon fillets bring a rich flavor and healthy fats. The fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Orzo pasta gives a nice texture, soaking up the creamy sauce. For the cooking essentials, unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness. Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Heavy cream turns the sauce rich and velvety, while broth boosts the overall flavor. Lastly, lemon juice brightens everything with its acidity. When it comes to seasoning, salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors. Fresh parsley not only looks great but also adds a fresh taste. With these ingredients ready, you are set for a delicious meal! - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the orzo and cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain the orzo in a colander and set it aside. - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. - Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. - Once the butter melts and shimmers, place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet. - Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. - Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a plate while you prepare the sauce. - In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. - When the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer. - Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Blend well. - Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. - Gently fold the fresh spinach into the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. - Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. - Place the seared salmon fillets on top of the orzo and sauce, drizzling some sauce over the salmon to keep it moist and flavorful. To cook salmon with crispy skin, start with a hot skillet. Use a bit of oil or butter to coat the pan. When the salmon hits the pan, it will sizzle. Cook it skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes. Don’t move it around. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. This gives you a golden brown finish. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. The fish should flake easily with a fork when fully cooked. To avoid curdling in your cream sauce, keep the heat low. Never let it boil. When you add the cream, stir slowly. This keeps the sauce smooth. If the sauce starts to thicken too much, add a splash of broth. This will help adjust the consistency. You can customize the thickness of your sauce. If you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer. For a lighter sauce, add more broth or cream. Just mix until you find the right balance for your taste. Salmon pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. A light, zesty side dish complements the rich flavors. For serving dishes, shallow bowls or plates work best. They allow you to showcase the salmon and orzo beautifully. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top. Add a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of parsley adds color and flavor too! {{image_4}} You can easily swap out salmon for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Just cook it until golden and juicy. Shrimp is another great choice. Sauté them in the same pan until they turn pink and tender. For a meatless meal, try using tofu or chickpeas. These options add protein and keep the dish hearty. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa instead of orzo. Both will soak up the sauce nicely. You can also try other pasta shapes, like penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well, making each bite satisfying. Adding herbs can take your dish up a notch. Fresh dill or thyme adds a nice touch. You can also use paprika for a hint of spice. If you want more veggies, consider adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. They add color and sweetness, making the dish even more vibrant. To store your creamy garlic butter salmon with spinach and orzo, let it cool first. Put it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! To check if the salmon is done, look for a few signs. The fish should change from translucent to opaque. It should also flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If you see these signs, your salmon is perfect. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance. You can cook the orzo and store it in the fridge. Cook the salmon and sauce fresh for the best taste. You could also sauté the spinach ahead and add it later. Just reheat everything gently before serving. Several side dishes work well with this creamy salmon. Consider a fresh salad for crunch. Roasted vegetables add color and flavor too. Garlic bread is also a great choice. Each of these sides will complement your salmon and orzo beautifully. This blog post detailed how to make creamy garlic butter salmon with orzo. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect cooking, and creative variations. The recipe is simple and satisfying. Whether you choose salmon, chicken, or shrimp, the flavors shine through. Remember to store leftovers correctly for fresh meals later. Enjoy your cooking and impress friends and family with this dish. Your kitchen adventure just got tastier!

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Orzo

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of creamy garlic butter salmon with spinach and orzo! This easy recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled in a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach and tender orzo. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, it's a dish that will impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delightful seafood dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets, skin-on

2 cups fresh spinach, washed and trimmed

1 cup orzo pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and set aside.

    Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, then gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through, easily flaking with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and place them on a plate while you prepare the sauce.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it.

        Make it Creamy: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, making sure everything is well blended. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

          Add Spinach: Gently fold the fresh spinach into the sauce, stirring until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

            Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy garlic sauce. Nestle the seared salmon fillets on top of the orzo and sauce, then drizzle some of the sauce over the salmon to keep it moist and flavorful.

              Garnish & Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the salmon and orzo in shallow bowls or plates, with the sauce generously drizzled over the top. Add a lemon wedge on the side and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color!