Baked Salmon with Lemony Orzo and Basil-Bacon Peas

Orzo, lemon, basil, bacon, peas, and baked sockeye salmon come together to make a quick and easy weeknight pasta dish for the whole family.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 702 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen peas
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
• 5 large basil leaves, thinly sliced, divided
• 1 (1 1/2 pound) skin-on, sockeye salmon
• 2 lemons, juiced, divided
• 0.25 cup butter, melted, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Mix garlic powder, 4 leaves basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together in a small bowl.

Step 4

Place salmon skin side-down on the prepared pan. Brush with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle garlic-basil mixture on top.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 8 minutes. Remove and let rest.

Step 6

Place bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook, stirring often, until crispy, about 4 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and peas. Season with pepper. Cook and stir until peas are heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 7

Whisk remaining 3 tablespoons butter, juice from 1 lemon, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl. Pour over the cooked orzo and toss to coat. Season with pepper.

Step 8

Divide orzo among 4 plates; top with salmon and place peas on the side. Garnish with the remaining basil. Drizzle remaining lemon juice on top.