If you’re looking for a delightful meal that feels both elegant and comforting, this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender, perfectly seared salmon with creamy, citrus-kissed orzo all cooked in one pan, making dinner both fuss-free and flavorful. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of rich, flaky fish mingling with bright lemon and savory Parmesan, creating a dish that’s sure to impress whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role: the spices punch up the salmon, the orzo brings comforting creaminess, and fresh spinach adds a touch of vibrant green and nutrition. This balance of flavors and textures makes the dish shine effortlessly.
- 4 skinless salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tsp salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning both the fish and orzo appropriately.
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Offers a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the salmon beautifully.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a mellow garlic aroma to the fish without overpowering it.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for a crispy sear on the salmon and a smooth sauté base.
- 1 tsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps elevate the orzo’s flavor.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, caramelized foundation for the orzo.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Offers fresh, punchy garlic notes that wake up the dish.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta: The tender pasta that absorbs the lemony broth, creating creamy comfort.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal hint to the orzo.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infused with savory warmth without overwhelming saltiness.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: Folded in at the end for freshness, color, and added nutrition.
- Juice from ½ lemon: Brightens the dish with a crisp, zesty finish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Melts into the orzo, adding a luscious, cheesy layer.
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving: A final touch of heat and aroma.
- Chili flakes, for serving: Optional, for those who love a little kick.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper. These spices create a wonderful crust and infuse the salmon with subtle layers of flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each fillet for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until a golden crust develops and the fish is nearly cooked through. Once seared, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This first step locks in moisture and ensures those beautiful flavors are front and center.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet with all those lovely salmon drippings, add the unsalted butter and then sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This releases the sweetness of the onion and the freshness of the garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, along with the remaining salt and pepper, to layer in savory notes. Toss in the orzo pasta, stirring to toast it lightly for a minute or two, which adds a nutty depth to the final dish. Then pour in the chicken broth, bringing everything to a simmer as the orzo cooks and absorbs the flavorful liquid over about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Stir in Spinach, Lemon, and Cheese
Once the orzo is nearly tender, stir in the baby spinach, letting it wilt gently into the warm pasta. Add the fresh lemon juice, which cuts through the richness and adds a bright, sunny note. Finally, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese to melt into the orzo, transforming it into a creamy, luscious bed for the salmon. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This step is where all the elements come together beautifully with a balance of tang, creaminess, and fresh greens.
Step 4: Finish and Simmer the Salmon
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet nestling them right on top of the orzo. Allow everything to gently simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and the flavors meld perfectly. This final simmer warms the salmon without drying it out and lets the orzo soak up any last bits of flavor. Once done, you’re ready to serve this gorgeous, one-pan wonder straight from the skillet.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper right before plating adds a final punch of aromatic heat. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes creates an exciting contrast to the creamy orzo and tender salmon. A few extra shavings of Parmesan can also brighten the top, making each serving look and taste like a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is wonderfully complete on its own, thanks to the spinach and flavorful orzo. However, if you’d like to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for crunch and freshness. Steamed green beans with lemon zest also pair beautifully, enhancing that citrus theme and keeping the meal light and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, serve the salmon fillets whole, nestled atop the lemon orzo in the skillet or on individual plates. Garnish with thin lemon slices or fresh thyme sprigs for an inviting, fresh look. For a fun twist, spoon the lemon orzo into shallow bowls and lay the salmon fillet carefully to one side, allowing guests to mingle flavors as they like. Either way, the colorful combination of golden salmon, green spinach, and creamy pasta will turn heads at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salmon will remain tender, and the orzo will hold its creamy texture, especially if you reheat gently. Keeping everything stored together will help the flavors meld even more overnight.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing the salmon and orzo in a freezer-safe container. However, note that the texture of the cooked spinach and salmon may change slightly after thawing. It’s best to consume frozen portions within one month for optimal flavor and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid overcooking the salmon. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before warming can restore some creaminess to the orzo. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on salmon, simply sear it skin-side down first to get it nice and crispy, then flip carefully to cook through. The skin adds extra texture and flavor, just adjust your cooking time slightly as needed.
Is it possible to substitute the orzo with another pasta?
Yes, you can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small elbows. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly since some pastas cook faster or slower than orzo.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the salmon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For protein, try adding sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a great alternative that will provide a cheesy flavor. For a dairy option, Pecorino Romano can also be substituted for a sharper, saltier taste.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or split the cooking into batches. Keep an eye on the liquid amount and adjust as needed to ensure the orzo cooks perfectly without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality flavors right into your own kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of bright lemon, tender salmon, and creamy orzo creates a comforting yet fresh meal that feels special every time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy one skillet salmon with lemon orzo recipe that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with creamy, flavorful orzo pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a quick, wholesome meal featuring tender salmon, fresh spinach, and a zesty lemon-parmesan finish.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
For Serving
- freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- chili flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Salmon: Season salmon fillets evenly with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and sauté minced garlic and finely chopped yellow onion until fragrant and translucent. Stir in dried thyme, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the dry orzo pasta and toast it in the skillet, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it is almost tender but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan: Stir in fresh baby spinach, juice from ½ a lemon, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the spinach wilts and cheese melts through the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Return Salmon and Heat Through: Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Cover and cook gently on low heat for 2-3 minutes to warm the salmon through and let flavors meld.
- Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over the dish to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels; you can substitute vegetable broth for a pescatarian option.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese.
- Ensure the salmon fillets are evenly sized for consistent cooking time.
- Orzo can quickly overcook; keep a close eye and test doneness to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust chili flakes according to spice preference or omit if avoiding heat.
