If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels both comforting and a little indulgent, this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled atop a bed of tender, lemon-kissed orzo pasta, enriched with sautéed garlic, sweet onion, fresh baby spinach, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and bright, fresh flavors that come together effortlessly in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and your dinner table look stunning. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity meeting sophistication, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without any stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in bringing out the dish’s irresistible flavors and textures. From the delicate salmon to the zesty lemon juice, they combine perfectly to create a balanced, colorful plate.
- 4 skinless salmon fillets: The star protein, rich and tender, make sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- 1 tsp salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish—just be sure to split it for seasoning salmon and orzo separately.
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided: Adds a subtle heat and depth, freshly ground is best for maximum aroma.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and lovely color to the salmon.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the salmon fillets with a warm garlic undertone without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the salmon and sautéing aromatics, a high-quality oil makes a difference.
- 1 tsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a subtle creaminess to the base flavors.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Sweet and savory, gives depth and a soft texture in the orzo mixture.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic amplifies the savory brightness throughout the dish.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and traps all the lemony sauce beautifully.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with salmon and fresh greens.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: Ensures the orzo cooks with flavor without becoming too salty.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: Adds a fresh pop of green, nutrients, and a lovely tender contrast.
- Juice from ½ lemon: The bright, citrusy element that lifts the entire dish for a fresh finish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: A nutty, salty addition that binds the orzo and spinach with creamy goodness.
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving: A final touch for a little extra spice and aroma.
- Chili flakes, for serving: Optional but highly recommended if you like a gentle kick.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps you get a better sear. Then, season the fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper—this creates a flavorful crust as they cook. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then place the fillets skinless side down. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are just cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Using the same skillet saves you from extra cleanup and allows the flavors left in the pan to enrich the orzo. Start by melting the butter and sautéing the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, remaining salt and pepper, then stir to combine. Add the orzo and toast it for a minute or two, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still has a gentle bite—this usually takes around 8 minutes.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo is almost cooked, gently fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt naturally into the mixture. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top, stirring to create a creamy, flavorful base. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo, cover, and let everything heat together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the dish right before serving for an extra burst of aroma. Chili flakes are a fantastic option if you want to add a subtle heat that complements the lemon and paprika flavors without overwhelming the delicate salmon.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you’d like to add a side, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Something simple and fresh works best to contrast the richness of the salmon and creamy orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the salmon and orzo on individual plates, placing the salmon fillet slightly off-center with a generous scoop of orzo on the side, then drizzle a little extra lemon juice on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add visual appeal and an inviting fragrance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon and orzo will keep well for up to 2 days, though enjoying it fresh is always best to appreciate the textures fully.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal due to the texture changes in salmon and orzo, but if necessary, separate the salmon from the orzo and freeze them individually in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in a microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the salmon. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the orzo if it feels too dry during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on salmon, just make sure to crisp the skin properly during searing. It adds a nice texture contrast and flavor, but you may want to adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have any on hand?
Pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even rice can work as substitutes, but cooking times and liquid ratios will differ. Orzo is great because it cooks quickly and holds the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by skipping the salmon and doubling the spinach or adding other vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the orzo base.
Is it necessary to use chicken broth, or can I use water?
While water can be used in a pinch, chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that makes the orzo much tastier. If you want to keep it lighter, vegetable broth works wonderfully too.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist and tender inside. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on thickness, so use a gentle touch rather than overcooking to keep it juicy.
Final Thoughts
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is truly a gem in the kitchen. It combines ease, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation in a way that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish comes through with minimal fuss and maximum delight. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying and comforting as I do!
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and flavorful meal featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served over creamy, lemony orzo pasta with spinach and Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines simple ingredients and minimal cleanup for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
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, to taste
- chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets evenly with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This seasoning adds a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Orzo: Add dried thyme, remaining salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for a minute. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered until the orzo is almost tender, approximately 8 minutes.
- Finish the Orzo: Stir in the baby spinach, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook and stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine with Salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets back to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and orzo, then top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to your preferred spice level. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salmon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to watch the orzo closely as it cooks to avoid overcooking and sticking.
- Fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the Parmesan and salmon.
- If you prefer crispy skin, leave skin on the salmon fillets and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
