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Light Italian One Pot Salmon & Orzo Recipe

This Light Italian One Pot Salmon & Orzo Recipe is a healthy, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal with tender salmon and wholesome orzo cooked all in one pot.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy, Healthy, One-Pot, Quick, Salmon
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb salmon fillet
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 14.5 oz Basil, Garlic & Oregano diced tomatoes can
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups DeLallo whole wheat orzo
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine, ensuring the onion and garlic are evenly distributed.
  • Add the whole wheat orzo to the pot, along with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Gently fold in the salmon pieces, nestling them into the orzo. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once the salmon is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Sharp Knife

Notes

  • You can substitute the salmon with shrimp or sautéed chicken for different protein options.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutrition and color.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
  • To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.