Name: Cajun Salmon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cups spinach or kale (optional); Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Description

A bold and creamy one-pan meal featuring Cajun-seasoned salmon, tender orzo pasta, and a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this dish delivers smoky, zesty flavor with comfort-food appeal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Pat salmon fillets dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon, skin-side down if using skin-on, for 3–4 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Lower heat and stir in cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Add spinach or kale, if using, and cook until wilted.
Return salmon to skillet and spoon sauce over the fillets.
Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

Sear salmon first for the best flavor, then finish in the sauce.
Use shrimp or chicken as alternatives to salmon.
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
Make it dairy-free with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Reheat salmon separately to avoid overcooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1 fillet with orzo)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 115mg