Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Orzo
This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon with Lemon Parmesan Orzo is an incredibly rich, indulgent, and easy one-pan meal. Perfectly pan-seared salmon is smothered in a luxurious garlic butter cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, then served over zesty, cheesy lemon Parmesan orzo. This dish is bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavors and comes together in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets skin-on or skinless
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
For the Lemon Parmesan Orzo:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Add baby spinach and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes).
- If using, stir in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Return the salmon to the pan, spooning sauce over the fillets. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 3: Cook the Lemon Parmesan Orzo
- While the sauce simmers, cook orzo in chicken broth over medium heat until tender (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Season with black pepper and stir until creamy.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon lemon Parmesan orzo onto plates.
- Place Tuscan salmon on top.
- Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Want a Healthier Version?
✔ Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
✔ Swap orzo for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
✔ Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter sauce.
✔ Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
✔ Swap orzo for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
✔ Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 45gFat: 38g
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