One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Salmon Orzo Recipe

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This One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Salmon Orzo is a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that brings together tender salmon, nutrient-packed broccoli, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta in a single pot. The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity and ease of preparation—perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. The combination of fresh ingredients, savory cheese, and well-seasoned salmon ensures that each bite bursts with flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.

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2. Cook the Salmon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown on both sides and easily flakes when tested with a fork. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside to rest. Once slightly cooled, break the salmon into large, bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin if present.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

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2. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the pan with the onions and garlic, stirring to coat the pasta with the oil and aromatics. Cook the orzo for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly toasted and golden.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

1. Add Broth and Milk: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is just tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. You may need to add a little extra broth or milk if the orzo absorbs too much liquid too quickly.

2. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cover. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. If the broccoli gets too soft, you can reduce the heat or remove the pot from the heat early to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Salmon

1. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the orzo and vegetables. Stir gently to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.

2. Add the Salmon: Gently fold in the flaked salmon pieces, being careful not to break them up too much. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The salmon will heat through without becoming dry.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

1. Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or smoked paprika, if desired. Add the lemon juice for a refreshing burst of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and salmon.

2. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the broccoli cheddar salmon orzo into bowls or onto a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a squeeze of fresh citrus before eating.

Cooking Tips & Variations

1. Choosing the Right Salmon

• Fresh or Frozen Salmon: If fresh salmon is unavailable, frozen salmon fillets work just as well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Salmon Skin: If you prefer to keep the skin on, just make sure to cook it skin-side down and remove the skin before serving. For those who enjoy crispy skin, you can serve it on top of the orzo.

2. Broccoli Alternatives

• Other Vegetables: If you prefer a different vegetable, feel free to substitute the broccoli with spinach, kale, or even peas. These vegetables will integrate well into the creamy orzo base.
• Roasted Broccoli: For extra flavor, you can roast the broccoli in the oven before adding it to the orzo. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and caramelized.

3. Add Extra Flavor

• Herbs: Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or basil would pair wonderfully with the salmon and cheese. Add them after cooking, or sprinkle them on top for garnish.
• Spices: For a bolder flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of paprika along with the smoked paprika to give the dish a smoky kick.

4. Make it Lighter

• Low-Fat Cheese: If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a combination of cheddar and a lighter cheese like mozzarella.
• Non-Dairy Options: For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can swap the milk for a non-dairy option like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the creamy texture.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs: For a bit of texture, top the dish with crispy breadcrumbs or panko. Simply melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan and toss the breadcrumbs until golden, then sprinkle over the finished dish.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Salmon Orzo recipe is the epitome of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce, tender salmon, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a perfect dish for a busy night when you want something nourishing yet indulgent. Plus, the fact that it’s all cooked in one pot means less clean-up, making this a practical choice for both seasoned home cooks and beginners alike.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (around 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:
   Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
   Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Orzo and Broccoli:
   In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil (if needed) and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften.
   Add the orzo, chicken or vegetable broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring it to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
3. Combine the Dish:
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk (or cream), shredded cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
   Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the orzo mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve:
   Spoon the broccoli cheddar salmon orzo onto plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

Broccoli Variations: You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli florets for convenience.

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.

Substitutes: Feel free to use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a different flavor.

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