Description
A cozy, one-pot dish featuring Cajun-spiced salmon served over creamy orzo with sweet corn. Rich yet light, this 30-minute recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
4 skinless salmon fillets
¼ tsp salt (for salmon)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
½ tsp salt (for orzo)
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen/canned)
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
Optional: chili flakes for garnish
1 cup orzo pasta
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with ¼ tsp salt, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Sear them for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the corn kernels and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and creamy.
- Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, thyme, ½ tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Return the seared salmon to the skillet, nestling it on top of the orzo. Let everything warm through for 2 more minutes.
- Garnish with chili flakes if desired and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute shrimp or chicken for salmon.
To make it vegetarian, skip the salmon and use vegetable broth with mushrooms or extra corn.
Adding spinach or kale boosts nutrition and adds color.
Whole milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in cream and orzo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 825
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
