Creamy Orzo with Salmon & Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A Quick & Delicious Dinner

Looking for a quick yet impressive dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This creamy orzo with salmon and sun-dried tomatoes is just the thing! Orzo might look like rice, but don’t be fooled—it’s actually pasta, and it’s perfect for creating rich, comforting meals in no time.

The star of this dish? Tender salmon—whether pan-seared, baked, or smoked, it adds a deliciously rich and flaky bite. And let’s not forget the sun-dried tomatoes! They bring a deep, umami-packed punch that takes this dish to the next level. The creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully, making each bite pure comfort.

Honestly, this meal disappeared fast at our table. There may or may not have been some friendly competition over the last spoonful. 😆 So, if you love salmon and need a foolproof, flavor-packed dinner, this one’s for you!

Watch how to make it! ♥🎥

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Orzo with Salmon & Sun-Dried Tomatoes! ❤️🍽️

🔥 Quick & Effortless – Ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. ⏳🍝
🥇 Next-Level Comfort Food – Creamy, rich, and packed with delicious textures! 🥄🤩
🐟 Salmon Your Way – Pan-seared, baked, or smoked – choose your favorite! 🔥🐟
🍅 Sun-Dried Tomato Magic – Bold, slightly chewy, and full of umami goodness! ✨🍅
🌿 Fresh & Fragrant – A finishing touch of dill and parsley makes it extra irresistible! 🌱😍

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

Ingredients:

🔹 8–17 oz (250–500 g) salmon (raw or smoked) – the more, the better! 🐟🔥
🔹 1 cup (8 oz / 225 g) dry orzo pasta 🍝
🔹 1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅
🔹 2 large or 3 small garlic cloves, minced 🧄
🔹 2 cups (16 oz / 500 ml) vegetable or chicken broth 🥣
🔹 3.5–5 oz (100–150 g) sun-dried tomatoes (drained) 🍅✨
🔹 ¾ cup (6.8 fl oz / 200 ml) heavy cream 🥛
🔹 1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste) 🍋
🔹 Salt & black pepper (to taste) 🧂
🔹 1 small bunch fresh dill (or 1 heaping tsp dried dill) 🌿
🔹 1 small bunch fresh parsley (optional, or 1 heaping tsp dried parsley) 🌱
🔹 Cooking oil + 1 tbsp butter for frying 🍳
🔹 Seasonings for salmon: Salt, pepper, garlic powder 🧄🔥

🛒 Pro Tips for Choosing Ingredients! 🛍️✨

🔹 Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is also called risoni or risini. In this recipe, we cook it directly in broth and cream, so there’s no need for a separate pot! Fewer dishes = more time to enjoy your meal. 🍝🥣

🔹 Salmon: The best choice? Wild-caught Pacific salmon or responsibly farmed salmon with a sustainability certification. 🐟💚 You can use pan-seared, baked, or smoked salmon—whichever you prefer! If using smoked salmon, add it at the end to keep its delicate flavor. 😋

🔹 Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor and tenderness. 🍅✨ If yours are too salty, rinse them under warm water before using.

🔹 Broth Matters: A high-quality broth (homemade or store-bought) makes all the difference! If using store-bought, check for low-sodium versions to control the saltiness.

🔹 Creamy Perfection: Heavy cream gives the best rich and velvety texture. 🥛 If you prefer a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut cream (for a dairy-free twist). 🥥🌱

Step-by-Step Instructions 🐟💚

Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

If you’re using pre-cooked salmon, such as smoked salmon, skip to Step 2. If you have raw salmon, you can either pan-fry or bake it.

How to Quickly Pan-Fry Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season it well – sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add your favorite spices. Heat the pan – set it over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of butter and 2-3 tbsp of oil.

Cook the salmon:

• With skin: Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the fish is tender and juicy.
• Without skin: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

How to Quickly Bake Salmon

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) (top and bottom heat). If the salmon has skin, leave it on to keep it juicy. Drizzle with olive or vegetable oil, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

• With skin: Place skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12-15 min.
• Without skin: Bake 10-12 min on a greased or parchment-lined sheet.

Once done, transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep it warm.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cook for 2 minutes, then add grated garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Cooking the Orzo

Add orzo pasta to the pan and stir to combine. Sauté for 30 seconds, then pour in broth and cream. Mix well, season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice (1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon, depending on your taste). Once the sauce starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the sauce thickens and the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Adding the Salmon & Herbs

While the sauce is finishing, shred the salmon into small pieces (remove the skin). Once the sauce is ready, stir in chopped dill, parsley, and the salmon. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the salmon is heated through. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Value 📊

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Each serving contains approximately:

🔥 Calories: 677
💪 Protein: 25,7 g
🧈 Fat: 40 g
🥔 Carbohydrates: 58 g

Creamy Orzo with Salmon & Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A Quick & Delicious Dinner. Printable Recipe.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered! ❓

💭 Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! You can swap salmon for shrimp, cod, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

💭 Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative instead of heavy cream. It will still be rich and creamy!

💭 What if I don’t have orzo?
No worries! You can use small pasta like couscous, ditalini, or even rice. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.

💭 Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, store the salmon separately and add it when reheating. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of broth or cream when warming it up.

💭 How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a bit of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

💭 Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the onions.