Creamy Orzo Pasta with Salmon, Zucchinis, and Leek

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Creamy Orzo Pasta with Salmon, Zucchinis, and Leek is a quick recipe that I can prepare during a busy week and it is always a hit at home. It is a convenient dish that I like to save for my two teenage boys’ lunch boxes, so they can have a delicious meal for school!

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Shredded zucchinis give a nice creaminess to the dish and easily replace a portion of orzo without anyone really noticing.

Creamy Orzo Pasta with Salmon Zucchinis and Leek

5 from 1 vote

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Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup orzo

For the salmon:

• 1 lb. salmon with the skin on
• Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
• Salt, pepper
• Lemon
• Olive oil

For the sauce:

• 4 small zucchinis, shredded
• 1 leek, white part only, washed and finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Zest of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon of lemon
• Salt, pepper
• Olive oil
• Chives for garnish finely cut

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet with parchment paper, put the salmon, season evenly with salt, pepper, herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning), squeeze some lemon, and drizzle olive oil. Put in the oven for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside and let it cool. Remove skin, flake the salmon with your hands or with a fork.
• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente, stirring from time to time. Before draining, keep ½ cup of liquid. Return orzo to the pot so it does not dry out in the colander.
• Meanwhile, take a large pan, put some olive oil, add garlic, the leek, the shredded zucchini and cook until lightly soft 8-10 minutes. Pour the heavy cream, ¼ cup of cooking liquid pasta, zest lemon, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it cook gently until it becomes creamier, adding more liquid if needed.
• Add the orzo, mix well, taste if you need more seasoning. Then add the salmon and mix gently to not crumble the salmon too much. Put it in a big bowl and garnish it with some chives. You may lightly grate some Parmesan-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese on top. Bon Appetit!

Keyword fish pasta recipe, orzo salmon recipe, pasta salad recipe

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