One-Pan Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon

This creamy coconut turmeric orzo with salmon is the perfect one-pan meal for a cozy and nourishing dinner. It comes together in just a few simple steps, and is packed with flavor.

One-Pan Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon

If you’re ever in the mood for a hearty yet nourishing home cooked meal, this one-pan creamy coconut orzo and salmon is the recipe is for you. It’s packed with flavor, light & creamy, and comes together in just a few simple steps.

The sweetness of the coconut milk pairs so well with the spice mix of turmeric, cumin and salt and pepper. It keeps this dish creamy yet light, and also dairy-free!

The salmon first gets pan-seared in a few spices, then finishes cooking in the orzo towards the end. The fish stays tender on the inside, with perfectly crisp edges.

How to make Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need for this one-pan dish:

• salmon fillets, about 4-6 oz each
• spices: paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, salt & pepper
• orzo
• canned coconut milk
• yellow onion
• garlic
• spinach
• olive oil
• butter, vegan or dairy

1. Start by seasoning the salmon fillets in paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper then searing them in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Remove the salmon from the pan and add in the butter and onions to soften, then add in the orzo with the garlic, turmeric, cumin, salt & pepper
3. After a couple of minutes, add in the coconut milk and water and let the orzo cook for 10 minutes before mixing in the spinach and salmon.
4. One the spinach and salmon are added back, finish cooking everything on a low heat for another 5-6 minutes

This recipe is simple, yet flavorful, and truly elevates you weeknight dinner. It’s a new staple in our house that requires minimal dishes. I can’t wait for you guys to try it!

More easy dinner recipes you’ll love:

Herb Crusted Cod

Roasted Tomato Veggie Soup

Pearl Couscous with Roasted Vegetables & Chickpeas

One Pan Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon

4 from 7 votes

Course: Dinner

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

NOTES:
1. You can make this recipe with chicken breast or thighs instead, but it may need a little more cooking time depending on the thickness
2. To make the orzo alone without the salmon, just skip steps 1-3

Ingredients

• Creamy Coconut Orzo

• 1 cup dry orzo

• 1 tbsp butter (vegan or dairy),
  or olive oil

• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 2 cups spinach

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, about 4-6 oz each

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper

• Olive oil

• Parsley and lemon juice, to top

Directions

• Season the salmon fillets with the garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt & pepper. Rub the spices well.
• Heat a large pan, I used a saute pan, on medium heat. Once hot, add in about two tbsp of olive oil to lightly coat the bottom. Place the salmon fillets into the heated oil and cook on medium heat for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. They’ll finish cooking at the end.
• Remove the salmon from the pan along with any remaining smaller salmon pieces. Set them aside on a plate.
• To the same pan, add in 1 tbsp of butter and the diced onion. Saute the onion on medium heat for about 3 minutes until soft.
• Add in the dry orzo, crushed garlic, turmeric, cumin and salt & pepper and toast for about 2 minutes.
• Pour in the coconut milk and water and mix well. Cover the pan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and let the orzo cook covered for about 10 minutes. I like to stir it every 3 minutes to make sure the orzo isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• After 10 minutes, mix in the spinach leaves and place the salmon fillets back into the orzo. Cover the pan and finish cooking for 5-6 more minutes on a low heat.
• Once finished, garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @somethingnutritious on Instagram- I’d love to see your creations!