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Cooked pesto salmon orzo bake.
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Pesto Salmon Orzo Bake

By: Min Kwon | MJ and Hungryman
This creamy pesto salmon orzo bake combines flaky salmon, tender orzo, spinach and tomatoes for an easy one-pan family dinner with minimal prep.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (260g)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pesto , homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, (or cream cheese)
  • 1 pound salmon
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 large handfuls of baby spinach

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch deep baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Add the uncooked orzo, chicken stock, pesto, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Make sure all of the orzo is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
  • Arrange the salmon on top of the orzo and scatter the cherry tomatoes around it. Don't stir once you've added the salmon and tomatoes.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly and bake for 25 minutes. Keeping the dish covered is important because it traps steam, which helps cook the orzo while keeping the salmon moist.
  • Remove the dish from the oven and uncover. Stir in the baby spinach, gently breaking the salmon into large chunks as you combine everything.
  • Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give everything another good stir before serving. Add an extra spoonful of pesto or a squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so don't be surprised if it's considerably thicker the next day.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock, water, or milk and stir well. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2444IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 3mg
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