Description
One-Pan Cajun Salmon Orzo features tender Cajun-seasoned Atlantic salmon served with creamy orzo, sautéed vegetables, fresh spinach, and a bright touch of lemon. A flavorful, comforting one-pan dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4, 5–6 oz skinless salmon filets (Atlantic, not wild)
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups chicken bone broth
- 3 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice from ½ lemon
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry. Combine 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning with the brown sugar and rub evenly over the salmon.
- Heat avocado oil or olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon on both sides until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- Add more oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the remaining 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables.
- Stir in the dry orzo, then pour in the chicken bone broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the broth. Follow the package cooking guidance and adjust the heat as needed.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Cook gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and nestle the fillets into the orzo. Cook gently until the salmon is fully cooked and reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the salmon and orzo. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat and saltiness; taste before adding extra salt.
- Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the orzo.
- Salmon cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets; check for doneness rather than relying only on time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: One-Pan Cajun Salmon Orzo, Cajun salmon orzo, creamy salmon orzo, one-pan salmon dinner, Cajun salmon recipe