One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender salmon with a rich, creamy orzo pasta in a zesty lemon sauce. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are paired with a savory orzo made with garlic, thyme, and spinach, all brought together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. The balance of bright lemon, hearty spinach, and the umami of Parmesan cheese makes this dish a comforting yet fresh meal that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a group, this dish is bound to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the salmon:

• 4 skinless salmon fillets

• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

For the lemon orzo:

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 5 ounces baby spinach

• Juice from 1/2 lemon

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

• Chili flakes, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with garlic powder, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in the skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.

4. Stir in dried thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper. Add orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Add spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Add more broth if needed and taste for seasoning.

7. Return the salmon to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through.

8. Serve with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salmon and orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the orzo and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like couscous, farro, or even small shell pasta.

2. Can I make this recipe without the spinach?

If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with other greens like kale, arugula, or Swiss chard. Or, you can simply omit it.

3. Is it possible to use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but be sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even searing.

4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great option if you prefer a non-meat-based broth or are following a vegetarian diet.

5. Can I add more lemon flavor?

If you love lemon, feel free to add the zest of the lemon along with the juice or squeeze extra lemon over the salmon before serving for added brightness.

6. Can I cook the orzo in advance?

Yes, you can cook the orzo in advance and store it separately. When you’re ready, just heat it up in the skillet and add the spinach, lemon juice, and Parmesan.

7. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add more chili flakes to the dish or mix in some red pepper paste to the orzo for extra heat.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative and swap the butter for olive oil.

9. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it as it can become dry.

10. Can I prepare the salmon and orzo separately?

You can prepare both the salmon and orzo separately, but for the best flavor and ease, cook them together in one skillet as directed in the recipe.

Conclusion

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect one-pan meal that brings together rich, buttery salmon with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon-infused orzo. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire!