Description
A quick and creamy salmon risoni (orzo) dish ready in just 15 minutes, combining tender pasta, sweet peas, and flavorful hot-smoked salmon in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that comes together effortlessly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Butter
- 1.5 oz / 40g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk (light or full fat)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 onion, diced (brown, white, or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups frozen peas
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Staples and Pantry
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth / stock
- 1 1/2 cups dried risoni / orzo
Protein
- 6 oz / 185 g hot-smoked salmon, flaked into large chunks
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
- Add Flour: Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Milk and Liquids: Switch to using a whisk and gradually add half the milk, whisking continuously to dissolve the flour-onion mixture smoothly. Then add the remaining milk, chicken broth, dried risoni, and frozen peas to the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium so it bubbles gently. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and then more frequently as the pasta absorbs the liquid and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from Heat: After 5 minutes, take the pot off the stove. The sauce will still be quite saucy at this point but will thicken further as it rests and while serving.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir through the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Fold in Salmon: Gently add the flaked hot-smoked salmon to the creamy risoni, folding it in carefully to retain the salmon chunks.
- Serve: Serve the creamy salmon risoni immediately, garnished with chopped parsley leaves for a fresh, herbal touch.
Notes
- The risoni (orzo) will continue to absorb liquid after cooking, thickening the sauce further, so avoid overcooking on the stovetop.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it suitable for pescatarians.
- If you prefer a richer dish, use full-fat milk and add a bit more parmesan.
- Cold smoked salmon can be substituted if hot-smoked salmon is unavailable, but the flavor will be different.
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
