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Home Collections 15 Minute Meals

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo (15 Minute Meal)

By Nagi Maehashi
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Published16 Mar '16 Updated14 Aug '23
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A creamy salmon risoni / orzo – on the table in just 15 minutes. A real crowd pleaser – one for the kids and the grown ups!

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo - Made from scratch, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

Can you believe that you can make this Creamy Salmon Risoni in just 15 minutes? You really can. Leisurely too, not frantic manic cooking. My one condition is that you have all the ingredients out on the bench, ready for chopping, measuring etc. Because I can’t be accountable for how long it takes you to rummage around in your pantry to dig out a packet of risoni! 😂

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo - Made from scratch, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo - Made from scratch, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

This is a recipe from this month’s Super Food Ideas magazine, Australia’s top selling food magazine which just hit the stands. I feel very honoured that every month, I have a spread in the magazine and this month, the theme is 15 Minute Meals. Right up my alley! I love a challenge. I’ve done a whole heap of 15 Minute Meals here on RecipeTin Eats and I was keen to share more with Super Food Ideas readers!

Here’s the spread from this month! WOO HOO! Check it out – I got a little mention on the COVER this month! 🙊

SFI-Spread

The recipes included in the above feature in addition to this Creamy Salmon Risoni are as follows (starting top left):

  • Moroccan Lamb with Chickpea Couscous – You know I hate to play favorites….but to think that you can create a platter of food like this in just 15 minutes is just so cool, isn’t it??

  • Greek Chicken – Loaded with yummy Greek flavours in a tomato sauce studded with olives and finished with a sprinkle of feta. Makes my mouth water just describing it!

  • Chorizo Kale and Bean Soup – Kale doesn’t make much of an appearance around here because I’m not into “super foods” for the sake of it. But I think it’s a perfect match for this soup!

  • Shortcut Veal Schnitzel – YES you can make schnitzel without deep frying, with all the flavour and most of the crunch (and 5% of the mess too!). 🙂

  • Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo – that’s this recipe I’m sharing on my blog. Sorry guys, I’m only allowed to share one!

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo - Made from scratch, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

For this recipe, I use a store bought hot smoked salmon. Yes, it’s a bit of a cheat shortcut but I’m yet to master smoking fish myself at home and hot smoked salmon is so handy to have in the fridge because it lasts for ages and ages!

You can use ordinary salmon, but I really love the extra flavour edge that hot smoked salmon adds to this. It takes it from yum to super delish.

This recipe is for all those who come home after a long day and want to serve up a nutritious tasty meal for their family without spending ages in the kitchen. The beauty of this risoni is that you can swap out the salmon for any other proteins and up the nutrition with extra veggies – and I’ve provided notes in the recipe for suggestions.

But I kept this very simple because….well, it was part of a 15 minute meals feature!  – Nagi x

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo - Made from scratch, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

More risoni / orzo recipes

  • One Pot Italian Chicken Orzo / Risoni Pasta – cosy, saucy one pot chicken and risoni dinner

  • Orzo / Risoni Bolognaise – one pot bolognese pasta dish!

  • Greek Lemon Orzo Salad – a bright fresh pasta salad loaded with Greek flavours

  • Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo (Risoni) (One Pot) – tastes like a creamy mushroom risotto

  • Baked Greek Chicken Orzo (Risoni) – Greek chicken AND orzo made in one pot!

  • One Pot Creamy Chicken, Vegetable & Parmesan Orzo (Risoni) – creamy chicken and vegetable orzo, a quick 20 minute meal

  • Pea, Zucchini and Pesto Orzo / Risoni – a wonderful quick side dish

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo - Made from scratch, and on the table in just 15 minutes!

Creamy Salmon Risoni / Orzo (15 Minute Meal)

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Dinner, Pasta
4.81 from 26 votes
Servings4
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A creamy risoni dinner in a flash! Get the ingredients out on the bench and it will take just 15 minutes to get this on the table. Watch the video to see how easy it is!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz / 40g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 onion , diced (brown, white, yellow)
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 cups milk (light or full fat)
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth / stock
  • 1 1/2 cups dried risoni / orzo (Note 1)
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 6 oz / 185 g hot-smoked salmon , flaked into large chunks using 2 forks
  • Parsley , chopped, to garnish
Prevent screen from sleeping

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a deep skillet or pot over medium high heat.
  • Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes until translucent.
  • Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Switch to a whisk and add half the milk. Whisk to dissolve the pasty onion mixture into the milk (about 20 seconds). Then add remaining milk, chicken broth, risoni and peas.
  • Bring to simmer then turn heat down to medium so it bubbles gently. Cook for 5 minutes - stir occasionally for the first half then more frequently during the second half.
  • At 5 minutes, take it off the stove - it will still be quite saucy (see video) but will reduce in the next steps and while serving.
  • Stir through parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Then gently stir through salmon.
  • Serve immediately, sprinkled with parsley leaves if desired.

Recipe Notes:

1. Risoni is known as orzo in America. It is pasta that is shaped like rice. It can be found in the pasta aisle of pretty much all supermarkets nowadays. It's great for fast meals because it cooks so quickly!
2. Fill this out with more nutrition by stirring spinach through at the end - the residual heat will wilt it quickly. Or add more diced vegetables - cook them after you saute the onions!
This can be made with other proteins as well. I made this with hot smoked salmon that I purchased from the supermarket. You could also cook your own salmon - just season with salt and pepper and roast at 180C/350F for 12 minutes or so, or pan fry. If you want to use other proteins (raw), cut them into bite size pieces and cook them after the onions, then proceed with the same recipe. This would be great with chicken, shrimp/prawns, other fish and pork. It would also work well with ground/mince chicken, pork and turkey.
It can also be made with CANNED salmon! Just drain it and flake. 🙂
3. Nutrition per serving, assuming 4 servings.
Creamy Salmon Orzo Nutrition

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 483gCalories: 553cal (28%)Carbohydrates: 69.3g (23%)Protein: 29.7g (59%)Fat: 18.1g (28%)Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)Cholesterol: 41mg (14%)Sodium: 1059mg (46%)Potassium: 189mg (5%)Fiber: 7g (29%)Sugar: 13.8g (15%)Vitamin A: 2050IU (41%)Vitamin C: 13.2mg (16%)Calcium: 240mg (24%)Iron: 3.4mg (19%)
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT

 

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103 Comments

  1. Sharon says

    December 8, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Hi, could this be served cold at a picnic?
    Love your recipes Nagi 🙂

    Reply
  2. Christine says

    September 30, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    5 stars
    I made this with red salmon we caught this summer here in Alaska. This dish was easy to make and totally delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!!

    Reply
  3. Carolyn says

    September 27, 2020 at 12:18 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner tonight, delicious, a keeper for sure, thanks Nagi.😊

    Reply
  4. Ada Jane Eckersley says

    June 19, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Hi, could you use canned salmon for this

    Reply
  5. eun says

    June 3, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    if i want to try this recipe but don’t have risoni/orzo what can i use to substitute it? can i use normal pasta or rice! THANK YOU! loving your recipes! they are so easy even for an amateur cook like me 🙂

    Reply
  6. Manasa says

    May 14, 2020 at 12:35 am

    Where is Dozer?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 14, 2020 at 11:00 am

      This is one of my older recipes – he’s not featured on this page. 😂

      Reply
      • Manasa Manjunatha says

        May 14, 2020 at 7:55 pm

        Ah ok! I was worried for a bit! Amazing recipes and website btw. I do make your recipes but more often, I’m just here for Dozer 😉

        Reply
  7. Ryan says

    May 12, 2020 at 12:42 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious!! Definitely making this again!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 12, 2020 at 8:15 pm

      Awesome Ryan! N x

      Reply
  8. Jo says

    May 10, 2020 at 8:14 am

    Excellent recipe! You have a magic touch to the perfect dish.

    Reply
  9. Char says

    May 4, 2020 at 10:15 am

    Hi. Going to try this tomorrow. Instead of orzo could I use risotto? If so, will the time be the same? Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Carol says

    March 12, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    5 stars
    Oops, forgot to rate it!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      Thanks Carol! N x

      Reply
  11. Carol says

    March 12, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    We absolutely love this recipe Nagi, especially my father-in-law!!! I am keen to buy the Chasseur Sauté Pan, what size is it please? I love all your recipes and am cooking your creamy lemon chicken for my son and grandchildren tonight.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      Hi Carol, thanks so much for the great feedback!! The size of the pan will depend on you and the uses really – how many people you’re cooking for and what you intend to cook in it – N x

      Reply
      • Carol says

        March 21, 2020 at 12:01 pm

        Thanks Nagi, I like the size of the pan you use. Now there’s no travelling for us I might as well buy a pan like yours! 😉😁

        Reply
  12. Saima Kazi says

    February 9, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    I follow you on Instagram and LOVE all your recipes!!! I love all things smoked salmon, do you think I can substitute with dairy free milk?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 10, 2020 at 12:32 pm

      Yes of course Saima!! N x

      Reply
      • Stace says

        June 9, 2021 at 11:25 pm

        Loved this, quick and so very tasty. I didn’t have any parmesan so mixed through a few big chunks of goats cheese and it was beautiful. Thanks Nagi!

        Reply
  13. Bronwyn says

    July 17, 2019 at 4:04 pm

    I just love this recipe- usually make it Sunday night and husband loves it too

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 17, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      That’s awesome Bronwyn!

      Reply
  14. Mimi says

    May 23, 2019 at 12:35 am

    5 stars
    I made this last night with canned salmon. Wow, yet another stellar recipe! Tasted like a dish I would be served at a Michelin restaurant. Your recipes never disappoint.
    Congrats on the magazine article, you certainly deserve it!

    Reply
  15. Bronwyn says

    May 19, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    Great for post election blues meal

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 20, 2019 at 8:50 am

      haha love it!

      Reply
  16. jackie says

    April 20, 2019 at 7:36 am

    5 stars
    Made last night for dinner. Went down a treat. Added fresh dill at the end. This is a keeper and so quick. Thanks again Nagi.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 20, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      I’m so glad you loved it Jackie!

      Reply
  17. Leslie says

    April 4, 2019 at 10:05 am

    5 stars
    Lovely! Excellent directions, especially the point that the sauce will be runny. It all came together at the end perfectly. I added a tablespoon of chicken bouillon for flavor and tablespoon of dried chives. A squeeze of lemon at service added a bright finish.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 4, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      Sounds delish Leslie 🙌

      Reply
  18. Annette says

    May 28, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi.
    Found your recipe when I was surfing the web to find recipes for risoni dishes. And can I say, this was amazing! And in such short amount of cooking time, wowza! At the dinner table, with the first taste we both said “this reminds me of that delicious fish risotto we got in Lake Como Italy e few years ago”, even if it’s pasta and not rice. Our 1 year old baby girl ate this without a frown. The recipe is already shared with my neighbor, and we will make this again, for sure. So thanks a lot, up next is your one pot saucy mac and cheese. Keep up the good work and beautiful pictures 🙂
    Love from Norway.

    Reply
  19. Essie says

    April 12, 2018 at 11:59 am

    Can you freeze leftovers and thaw later for small meals? If so, how do I thaw after freezing, please?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 15, 2018 at 9:08 pm

      Hi Essie! I would thaw overnight in the fridge then microwave to reheat 🙂 I think heating from frozen will be a bit tricky. N xx

      Reply
  20. Shivy says

    April 18, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    5 stars
    I always use your recipes! They are the best! Since spending 6 weeks in Thailand and coming back to the uk ive missed the interesting flavours of thai food. As soon as i cooked one of your thai recipes iwas amazed (my kitchen smelt like thailand lol!) since then ive tried all different kinds of your recipes. This one was tasty! Very nice me and my fiancé loved it. Surprised by the strong cheesy flavour! We used prawns, as hot smoked salmon doesnt appear to be available in uk supermarkets but i bet with salmon it would taste even better. Next time i will used tinned salmon.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 18, 2017 at 5:50 pm

      I’m so pleased you are enjoying my recipes Shivy! Especially the Thai ones 🙂 I am obsessed with thai food!! Have you tried the Thai chicken recipes?? They are very authentic, and you should be able to get all the ingredients in the UK! N xx

      Reply
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