If you’re in the mood for something effortless yet impressively delicious, this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Imagine perfectly seared salmon nestled atop tender, lemony orzo pasta that’s cooked right in the same pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Bright notes from fresh lemon and earthy Parmesan come together in a harmonious blend that feels fresh and satisfying with every bite. This dish hits all the marks—easy, vibrant, comforting, and elegant enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building flavors and textures that delight your taste buds. From the buttery salmon that brings richness, to the lemon juice that adds brightness, each component works harmoniously while keeping the preparation refreshingly simple.
- Skinless salmon fillets (4): Choose fresh or thawed fillets for moist, flaky protein packed with omega-3s.
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (1 tsp each, divided): Enhances the natural flavors, seasoning and balancing each element perfectly.
- Sweet paprika (1 tsp): Adds subtle smoky warmth and a vibrant color to the salmon.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Introduces a mild, aromatic layer of flavor without overpowering.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Provides a healthy cooking fat to sear the salmon and soften aromatics.
- Unsalted butter (1 tsp): Adds richness and helps create a luscious base for the orzo.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped (1): Builds sweetness and depth as it sautés.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Brings a fresh pungency that awakens the palate.
- Dry orzo pasta (1 cup): Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks up creamy and tender.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Lends an earthy herbal note that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Low sodium chicken broth (3 cups): The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and keeps everything moist.
- Baby spinach (5 ounces): Adds a vibrant green color and a healthy, tender bite.
- Lemon juice, from ½ lemon: Provides a refreshing citrus zing that brightens the entire dish.
- Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Offers a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes (for serving): Adds just the right amount of spice and heat to taste.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before the cooking magic begins, get everything ready for easy assembly. Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Dry your salmon fillets thoroughly to ensure a perfect sear, then season both sides evenly with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. This step is key to developing that irresistible crust on your salmon.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon fillets and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the outside is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays tender. Once beautifully seared, remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking later in the orzo.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them gently until soft and fragrant—about 2 minutes—releasing those wonderful aromatics. Sprinkle in the thyme, and the remainder of your salt and pepper to deepen the savory notes. Adding orzo now and toasting it for a minute coats the pasta in the flavorful base and amps up the nuttiness.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the orzo is nearly tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 8 minutes. This is when the orzo really soaks up all those delicious flavors, setting the stage for the final touches.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Finishing Touches
Stir in the fresh baby spinach and continue to simmer until it wilts, roughly 2 minutes. Then, fold in the fresh lemon juice and the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the hot orzo, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Adjust the salt if needed and add more broth if the mixture seems too thick—perfecting the balance between saucy and tender.
Step 6: Return the Salmon to the Pan
Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet atop the lemon orzo. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the salmon to warm through and marry with the flavors of the dish. This final step brings it all together, ensuring each bite bursts with vibrant, comforting taste.
Step 7: Add Your Final Seasoning and Enjoy
Sprinkle the dish generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes if you desire a touch of heat. Serve this cozy, colorful skillet meal straight from the pan for a delightful, fuss-free presentation.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work beautifully as a finishing touch, adding a burst of color and freshness to contrast the rich salmon and creamy orzo. Lemon zest sprinkled on top amplifies that citrus brightness. For an extra zing, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving cannot be beat.
Side Dishes
Although this recipe is a full meal in itself, light, crisp sides complement it well. A simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a sprinkle of almond slivers add contrasting texture and keep the meal well balanced without overwhelming the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating individual portions by spooning the orzo onto plates in a neat mound and topping each with a salmon fillet. Garnish artistically with tossed chili flakes and lemon wedges on the side. Alternatively, serve family-style in the skillet so everyone can dive in, making for an inviting, cozy experience at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked orzo (without salmon) for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Salmon is delicate and may lose texture when frozen and reheated, so it is better to cook fresh salmon when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the orzo gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. If you have reserved salmon or fresh cooked pieces, warm them separately for just a minute or two to keep their tenderness intact.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! Salmon with skin on adds a wonderfully crispy texture when seared. Just be sure to cook skin-side down first for a longer time to get that golden crunch, then flip carefully to finish cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! You can omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Using olive oil in place of butter will also keep it dairy-free.
Can I substitute the orzo for another type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells work well, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the pasta becomes tender without getting mushy.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind that broth adds flavor depth, so you might want to compensate by adjusting seasoning or adding herbs.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I leave out the chili flakes?
The chili flakes are optional and just add a mild kick. If you prefer no heat, simply skip them and enjoy the lemony, savory flavors without spice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about a meal that comes together in just one skillet and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is a shining example of quick, wholesome cooking that delivers comfort and brightness in every forkful. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—easy enough for a weekday and special enough to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a regular favorite!
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
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A delicious and easy one skillet salmon dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served over creamy lemon orzo with spinach and Parmesan. This wholesome meal comes together quickly, combining tender salmon with flavorful orzo cooked in chicken broth, enhanced with garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 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 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the salmon with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently to coat the orzo with the flavors.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost al dente and most liquid has absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Flavorings: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes. Mix in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra broth if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- Reheat Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them back into the orzo. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until salmon is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Use low sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you prefer, chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- The orzo should be cooked just until almost al dente to avoid mushiness as it will finish cooking with the salmon.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
