20-Minute Leftover Salmon with Orzo: An Easy One Pan Weeknight Meal

Transform Leftover Salmon Into a Quick Weeknight Meal

If you are looking for a creative way to use up some leftover salmon, you might want to try this simple recipe that transforms it into a delicious and satisfying dish – Leftover Salmon with Orzo. This recipe will transform your leftover fish into a delicious and satisfying meal that you and your family will love. It’s easy, quick, and healthy.

With a few simple ingredients, that sad leftover salmon is reborn into a bright, creamy pasta of leftover salmon with orzo – your whole family will devour. Before you know it, you’re sitting down to a bowl of comfort, enjoying the flavors of garlicky-creamy sauce and salmon mingling with the al dente orzo. Your leftovers never had it so good! This fast, delicious dish proves that weeknight meals don’t have to be boring or time-consuming. You’ve got this! Now go grab that leftover salmon and get cooking. Dinner awaits!

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Easy Leftover Salmon Orzo

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Leftover salmon is a weeknight lifesaver. In under 20 minutes, you can transform it into a satisfying dinner your whole family will love. All you need is a few ingredients and a little time, and you can turn your lonely salmon darnes into a creamy and flavorful pasta sauce that will feed the whole family.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1-2 leftover salmon darnes, cooked and flaked
• 4 tbsp of butter, unsalted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1 cup soft cream cheese
• 2-3 cups of vegetable stock - dissolve the cube!
• Orzo pasta - see amount in notes
• Salt and pepper, as you like it
• Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
• Some vegetables of your choice *

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about a 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the orzo to the pan, and stir it well, covering with butter-garlicky mixture.
3. Add the one part of vegetable stock to the pan. But keep and eye - you need to pay attention to the liquid level in the pan. After adding a portion of vegetable stock and stirring well, put the lid on and let it simmer. However, don't leave it unattended, as you may need to add more stock as it cooks. The orzo should be ready in about 7 to 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cream cheese, check for salt and adjust if needed.
5. Stir in the salmon and cook for another 5 minutes, until heated through. Add some pepper to taste.
6. Serve with freshly grated parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

• Orzo pasta amount - it is a good option to allow around 75g (1/3cup) of dried orzo pasta per person. Decide the amount based on your and your family requirements.
• Since amount of orzo pasta you are using might be different, the amount of vegetable stock would be different too. I suggest to have an extra amount on your hand and add more if needed.
• Adding vegetables would bring some nice colorful accents to your dish. Try adding frozen peas, asparagus or broccolini.