Salmon with Spinach and Orzo

I would categorize this meal as easy enough. From beginning to prep ingredients to eat in 45 minutes the meal was ready to eat. It was one pot and a chopping board and a knife. Prep ingredients before cooking or it will take longer. I didn’t do many measurements of ingredients. Definitely a meal I will make again. 

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon steaks, patted dry
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 3-5 garlic cloves, peeled & minced
• 1/2 container Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Olive oil/avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 1tsp dried thyme
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 5oz of baby spinach
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Red chili flakes

Recipe:

1. Prep fish by patting dry. I laid the steaks on wax paper and then sprinkled with all the spices one at a time. I only gave a very small sprinkle of sugar. 
2. Chop the onion and garlic and set aside. If you are adding tomatoes also set that aside. 
3. Heat oil and butter in a large pan or skillet over medium high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear on eat side - I always have to open my windows because it gets a bit smoky. 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside. I placed mine in a covered dish.
4. Reduce heat to medium and put the onion, garlic and tomatoes into the skillet and saute for 1-2 minutes until soft. Stir in the thyme and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the orzo and toast for a minute
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Keep a small simmer and reduce heat to medium low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally about 8 minutes till most liquid is absorbed but not all the liquid. 
6. Add spinach, stir and simmer about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth/water if needed. Taste and season with salt & pepper to your liking. 
7. Return salmon to the skillet and heat through for 2-3 more minutes. 
8. Place in bowls, pasta then salmon. Top with Parmesan and then chili flakes.