If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances tender, flavorful salmon with creamy orzo infused with bright lemon and fresh spinach, all cooked together in one pan for maximum convenience and taste. It’s a dazzling dinner that looks elegant, tastes absolutely delicious, and comes together in just about 30 minutes—making it a new favorite to add to your weeknight or special occasion rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen, the ingredients in this recipe each play a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the sweet paprika seasoning on the salmon to the creamy Parmesan stirred into the orzo, every component works together harmoniously.
- 4 skinless salmon fillets: Delicate and flaky, the centerpiece of this dish that brings rich omega-3 goodness.
- 1 tsp salt, divided: Enhances the natural flavors and balances seasoning throughout.
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided: Adds a subtle heat and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Gives the salmon a smoky, mildly sweet warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile and complements the fresh garlic in the orzo base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the salmon and sautéing aromatics with a fruity richness.
- 1 tsp unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and balances flavors when cooking the orzo.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Builds a naturally sweet and savory foundation.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings fresh pungency and aroma to the dish.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta: The tender, pasta grain that becomes luxuriously creamy when cooked in broth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers earthy, herbal notes that brighten the overall dish.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that the orzo absorbs, making it tender and savory.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and subtle freshness.
- Juice from ½ lemon: Injects a bright, zesty lift that balances richness beautifully.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Creamy, nutty parmesan melts into the orzo for indulgent flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving: A finishing touch that adds bite and aroma.
- Chili flakes, for serving: Optional but recommended for a little kick and complexity.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with a blend of garlic powder, sweet paprika, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper. This seasoning mix creates a fragrant crust that will make your salmon irresistibly tasty. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside; you’ll finish cooking it later alongside the orzo.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Using the same skillet allows the flavors from the salmon crust to infuse the base of the dish. Add butter, then toss in finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté them carefully until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle in the dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper before adding the orzo. Toast the orzo for a minute or two to bring out its nutty undertones. When everything is perfectly fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and simmer gently. This slow cooking softens the pasta just right, typically about 8 minutes, until the orzo is tender with a slight bite.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo nears perfect tenderness, stir in fresh baby spinach, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the skillet wilts the spinach instantly and the Parmesan melts into a sticky, cheesy coating that takes every bite to the next level. Nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan, spooning some of the orzo around and over them. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the salmon heats through and the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over the top, adding a final flourish of aroma and gentle spice. Grab a fork and dig into this delightful dish that combines juicy, tender salmon with creamy, zesty orzo—all from one pan for easy cleanup and impressive presentation.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish from simple to spectacular. A few lemon wedges on the side provide an extra citrus burst for those who love an even more pronounced brightness. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil can also introduce a lovely fresh herb note and a splash of green color to your presentation.
Side Dishes
While this one skillet meal is wonderfully complete on its own, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides like a green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables adds textural contrast and extra veggies. A crusty garlic bread also works beautifully to scoop up every last bit of creamy lemon orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to jazz up your weekday dinner, try plating the salmon on a bed of orzo topped with microgreens and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For a rustic touch, serve directly from the skillet at the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves. This not only keeps the meal warm but also creates a warm, communal dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container promptly and keep chilled. The salmon may become firmer but will remain flavorful when reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this dish due to the delicate texture of both salmon and orzo, which can become mushy upon thawing. If necessary, freeze only the cooked salmon separately wrapped tightly, and reheat carefully to avoid dryness.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent overcooking the salmon. Adding a splash of broth or water helps maintain creaminess in the orzo. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on?
Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on salmon, just sear the skin side longer for crispiness and cook as directed. The skin adds a nice texture and protects the fish during cooking.
Can I substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works just fine and keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly if you omit the salmon. The key is to use a flavorful broth to make your orzo rich and tasty.
Is it necessary to toast the orzo before cooking?
While not mandatory, toasting orzo briefly in the skillet enhances its nutty flavor and aroma, adding depth to the dish. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Peas, asparagus tips, or diced tomatoes can be great additions cooked with or stirred in toward the end. Just adjust cooking times to keep vegetables crisp-tender.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Since you sear it first and then finish cooking it gently with the orzo, you’ll get a tender, juicy result every time.
Final Thoughts
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward cooking can create something truly special. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner but elegant enough to impress guests, all while keeping prep and cleanup minimal. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to meals!
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: Mediterranean
Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned and seared to perfection, then combined with garlic-infused orzo pasta cooked in chicken broth. Finished with fresh spinach, tangy lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a harmonious balance of flavor and nutrition all made in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
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 cheese
For Serving
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets evenly on both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to ensure balanced flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust and are nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Toast Orzo: Sprinkle in the dried thyme along with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, until it is almost fully cooked, approximately 8 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the baby spinach, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, and simmer everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the salmon through and combine flavors.
- Serve: Plate the orzo and salmon, then garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes according to your taste preferences. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and let the other seasonings shine.
- If you prefer a creamier orzo, stir in a splash of cream or additional butter just before serving.
- Ensure salmon fillets are close to room temperature before cooking to promote even searing.
- For a pescatarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
