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Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 85 reviews

This Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Bake is a flavorful, hearty one-pan meal combining tender salmon fillets with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and creamy Boursin garlic & herb cheese. Baked together in the oven, this dish offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and comforting pasta with an Italian-inspired seasoning blend for a quick and satisfying dinner.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Salmon and Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets (skin removed and divided into 4-6 servings)

For the Orzo Bake

  • 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
  • 1 2/3 cups orzo
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 14-oz. can artichoke hearts (drained and roughly chopped)
  • 1 5.3-oz. Boursin garlic & herb cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (sliced thin)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (205ºC). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the salmon fillets and rub the mixture thoroughly over both sides of each fillet. Remove the salmon and set it aside on a plate; refrigerate if desired to keep cool.
  2. Mix Orzo Ingredients: To the same baking dish, add the roughly chopped spinach, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, broth, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir everything together using a spoon to combine well. Nestle the Boursin garlic & herb cheese in the center of the dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Cheese and Add Salmon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the contents again. Use a wooden spoon to mash the Boursin cheese into the mixture, ensuring the flavors meld evenly. Lay the salmon fillets on top of the orzo mixture.
  4. Bake to Finish: Cover the dish again with foil and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes. This will cook the salmon through and allow the orzo to absorb nearly all of the broth. Once done, serve the bake in shallow bowls, topped with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth without altering the flavor significantly.
  • Removing salmon skin before cooking ensures a smoother texture in the bake.
  • Covering the dish with foil helps to steam and cook the orzo evenly while keeping the salmon moist.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute Boursin cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/mediterranean-salmon-orzo-bake-recipe/