One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful weeknight dinner that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare, then you have to try this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. This dish balances the delicate, flaky salmon with a luscious, tangy lemon orzo, creating a vibrant plate full of flavor and texture. Using just one skillet means less cleanup, and the juicy salmon fillets meld beautifully with the creamy, garlicky orzo, enhanced with fresh spinach and a punch of Parmesan. It’s a cozy, bright dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for impressing family or simply treating yourself after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple but packed with purpose, each one adding to the layered flavors and satisfying textures in the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. Fresh elements like lemon juice and spinach bring brightness and color, while pantry staples like garlic powder and paprika lend warmth and depth.

• 4 skinless salmon fillets: The star protein, offering a tender and flaky texture that cooks quickly in one skillet.
• 1 tsp salt (divided): Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the orzo thoroughly.
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided): Adds a subtle heat and aromatic punch throughout the dish.
• 1 tsp sweet paprika: Gives the salmon a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the fish with savory depth and enhances the garlic in the orzo.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the salmon to a crispy exterior.
• 1 tsp unsalted butter: Adds richness to the skillet and helps with browning the onions and garlic.
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped): Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the orzo.
• 3 garlic cloves (minced): Delivers fragrant aromatics that infuse the dish.
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta: The creamy, chewy grain that absorbs all the lovely cooking liquid and flavors.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy note, marrying the flavors beautifully.
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid for the orzo, imparting savory depth without overpowering.
• 5 ounces baby spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.
• Juice from ½ lemon: Brings brightness and a tangy lift to brighten every bite.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan: Adds a creamy, salty finish that ties the whole dish together.
• Freshly ground black pepper (for serving): Sprinkled on top for extra spice and aroma.
• Chili flakes (for serving): Optional, for those who love a little extra heat.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, get everything ready to go. Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper. This simple prep sets your dish up for success with well-seasoned salmon and ready-to-go aromatics.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet—you want that pan nice and hot for a beautiful sear. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. This initial sear locks in the juices and adds a gorgeous crust. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside while you build the orzo base.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Orzo

Lower the heat to medium and add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then sprinkle in the dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add the orzo and toast it for about one minute, stirring constantly so it absorbs the flavors and starts to develop a slightly nutty aroma.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo in Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan. After about 8 minutes, the orzo should be almost al dente, and most of the broth will be absorbed, resulting in a creamy, tender base.

Step 5: Add Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan

Now stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt, which should only take around 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, folding them into the orzo mixture. If the orzo looks dry at this point, add a touch more broth to achieve a saucy, luscious consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Finish by Returning the Salmon

Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the salmon warms through and the flavors marry perfectly. This final step is the magic that brings the whole One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo to life.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes on top add an inviting pop of flavor and a little heat, but they’re completely optional. For extra brightness, you can add a wedge of lemon on the side. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s appeal and bring layers of taste with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and well-rounded on its own, but if you want to round out the meal you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Whether it’s crunchy asparagus or colorful bell peppers, fresh vegetables provide a lovely textural contrast and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the salmon fillets right on the bed of lemon orzo on wide, shallow bowls for easy eating and gorgeous presentation. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add vibrant green pops. You could also drizzle a little extra olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and visual appeal.

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 two days. Keep the salmon and orzo together in the same container to preserve their combined flavor and moist texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is not recommended as salmon’s delicate texture may become rubbery after thawing. The orzo may also lose its creamy consistency. For best results, enjoy this meal fresh or store leftovers for a quick next-day meal.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short increments with a splash of water or broth to prevent the orzo from drying out. Avoid high heat to keep the salmon moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on?

Yes! Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve crispy skin, and you might want to sear the skin side longer. Skin-on salmon adds extra flavor and texture if you enjoy crispy edges.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

You can swap the salmon for grilled halloumi, tofu, or roasted vegetables. The orzo with lemon and spinach pairs beautifully with many proteins or can shine as a standalone vegetarian dish.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

Vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute to keep it lighter or make it vegetarian-friendly. Just choose a low-sodium version to control the saltiness in your dish.

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of orzo?

Brown rice or quinoa can be used, but cooking times and liquid amounts will need adjustment. Orzo is preferred here because it cooks quickly and creates a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with salmon.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s a fantastic meal prep option because it stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely. Just keep an eye on reheating to preserve the salmon’s texture.

Final Thoughts

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is one of those meals that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant colors, balanced flavors, and one-pan convenience make it an absolute favorite I love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your go-to dinner that feels effortlessly impressive every time.

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