Salmon Tomato Spinach Orzo with Tomato Basil Sauce
Cubing the salmon before cooking changes the dynamic of a skillet pasta entirely. Instead of resting a fillet on top of starch, every bite gets an even distribution of tender fish, rich tomato basil sauce, and silky orzo. The brief sear builds flavor rapidly in the pan before the sauce goes in to simmer, catching all the browned bits.
Why this one works
- Salmon cubes cook quickly and develop savory browned edges in minutes
- Orzo absorbs the tomato basil sauce readily without becoming heavy
- Fresh baby spinach wilts directly into the hot pasta right before serving
- Streamlined skillet method that comes together in a few straightforward stages
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, cubed Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly without over-drying.
- 1 cup (200g) dry orzo pasta Cook until just al dente so the small pasta maintains its shape when tossed into the sauce.
- 2 cups (300g) fresh baby spinach Tender baby leaves wilt quickly under residual heat without needing extra cook time.
- 1.5 cups (350ml) tomato basil sauce Brings immediate herbal brightness and saucy richness to coat the pasta.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil Used to establish high pan heat and achieve golden browning on the fish.
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Tomato Basil Salmon with Tomato Spinach Orzo is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet or saute pan
- Wide serving bowls
Step-by-step instructions
Get your pasta water going first so the orzo is drained and ready right as the sauce finishes its short simmer with the seared salmon.
- 1Step 1
Cook orzo according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- 2Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear salmon cubes until golden brown.
- 3Step 3
Pour in tomato basil sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- 4Step 4
Stir in cooked orzo and fresh spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- 5Step 5
Serve immediately in wide bowls.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Lemon Dill Salmon with Sweet Potato is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Pat the cubed salmon dry with paper towels before searing to ensure a clean, golden crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet so the fish sears rather than steams.
- Fold the spinach in gently at the very end to keep the delicate salmon pieces intact.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish finished bowls with a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper.
- Serve with a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish just before plating.
Serving suggestions
Ladle the mixture into wide, shallow bowls immediately while hot. Pair with simple roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad alongside warm focaccia.
Storage & reheating
Transfer leftovers to a sealed container and refrigerate promptly. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
How do I keep the salmon cubes from breaking apart?+
Let them sear undisturbed for the first couple of minutes to form a crust, and fold the orzo and spinach in gently using a wide spatula.
Can I cook the orzo in advance?+
Yes, just drain it thoroughly and toss with a light drizzle of oil to keep the grains from sticking before adding them to the skillet.
With tender salmon, vibrant greens, and a comforting tomato-coated pasta base, this skillet meal delivers robust texture and flavor in minimal time.
Salmon Tomato Spinach Orzo with Tomato Basil Sauce
Tender seared salmon cubes simmered in rich tomato basil sauce, tossed with tender orzo pasta and wilted fresh baby spinach for a balanced dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, cubed
- 1 cup (200g) dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups (300g) fresh baby spinach
- 1.5 cups (350ml) tomato basil sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear salmon cubes until golden brown.
- Pour in tomato basil sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked orzo and fresh spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Serve immediately in wide bowls.
Nutrition
You might also like these recipes
Tomato Basil Salmon with Tomato Spinach Orzo
Pan-seared salmon fillets served over warm orzo tossed with wilted baby spinach, blistered cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil ribbons.
Lemon Dill Salmon with Sweet Potato
Tender salmon fillets seasoned with fresh dill and bright lemon juice, paired with oven-roasted sweet potato cubes for an easy sheet pan dinner.
Shrimp Tomato Spinach Orzo with Ginger Sesame Sauce
Tender sautéed shrimp, blistered cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed with orzo in an aromatic ginger and toasted sesame oil dressing.
Save the recipes you want to make next.
Browse more recipes or follow the Pinterest profile for the latest food ideas from this collection.