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Homemade Creamy Cajun Salmon and Spinach Orzo recipe photo

Creamy Cajun Salmon and Spinach Orzo

This Creamy Cajun Salmon and Spinach Orzo is a quick, flavorful one-pan dish combining spicy salmon with cheesy, garlicky orzo and fresh spinach.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 salmon fillets fresh, skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium pot
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on). Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 2 cups fresh spinach. Stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked orzo and 1/4 cup chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together until the orzo is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  6. Plate a generous scoop of the creamy spinach orzo and top each portion with a Cajun salmon fillet. Garnish with extra green onions if desired and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use frozen spinach in winter if fresh is unavailable; add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for warmth.
  • Substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini if desired.
  • For dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently to preserve texture.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to control spice level according to preference.