One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

If you crave a weeknight dinner that feels a bit fancy but comes together quickly, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is about to steal the show in your kitchen. With golden-seared salmon nestled on creamy, lemony orzo and verdant spinach, this dish looks elegant, tastes downright irresistible, and only dirties one pan. Each bite bursts with fresh flavors, subtle warmth from spices, and that satisfyingly chewy orzo all mingled together, making it an instant favorite for both easy family dinners and impressing your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this dish’s big flavor is a shortlist of essential ingredients. Each one brings color, warmth, and texture to the finished meal—from the rich, flaky salmon to the zesty lemon and nutty Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 4 skinless salmon fillets: Salmon is the star—choose fillets with a vibrant pink color for best flavor and texture.
• 1 tsp salt, divided: Enhances every ingredient; precise seasoning at each step creates a balanced bite.
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, divided: Adds gentle heat and a peppery finish the dish needs.
• 1 tsp sweet paprika: Gives salmon warmth and a gorgeous color without being too spicy.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides mellow garlicky undertones without burning during searing.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For beautifully golden-seared salmon and extra depth in the orzo.
• 1 tsp unsalted butter: Butter adds a touch of richness and rounds out the sauce.
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Melds sweet flavor into the orzo for backbone and body.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Offers fragrant depth; fresh garlic truly makes a difference here.
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta: Orzo’s shape cooks quickly and soaks up all the savory goodness.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Makes the whole dish feel herby, earthy and inviting.
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: Simmering orzo in broth instead of water builds creamy flavor without extra cream.
• 5 ounces baby spinach: A big handful of greens wilts down and brightens the whole skillet.
• Juice from ½ lemon: The pop of acidity brings everything into balance and keeps things fresh.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan: Nutty, salty Parmesan melts into the orzo for a luscious finish.
• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving: A final flourish for that little extra bite.
• Chili flakes, for serving: Optional—but a pinch perks up your plate beautifully.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon

Before any heat hits the pan, get your mise en place set—grate your Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel, which helps them sear perfectly. Sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half the salt and pepper, ensuring every bite gets flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon Fillets

Set a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once hot and shimmering, place the salmon fillets in, presentation side down. Sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to form a golden crust, then flip and cook for another few minutes until just cooked through. Remove the salmon to a plate—it’ll join the party again soon!

Step 3: Soften the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan, scraping up any glorious browned bits. Stir gently for about 2 minutes, until the onions soften and the kitchen starts smelling delicious. Toss in your dried thyme and the rest of the salt and pepper for a boost of herby depth.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Pour in the dry orzo and stir for a minute, letting those grains get toasty and take in all the pan’s flavors. This step is quick but magical—the orzo absorbs the leftover oil and spices, setting up its signature taste and texture.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth

Add all the chicken broth in one go, then crank up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. After about 8 minutes, the orzo will be almost al dente and most of the liquid should be absorbed—creamy without being soupy.

Step 6: Add Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan

Now heap in the baby spinach and watch it wilt within two minutes as you stir. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon right over the pan, then add your Parmesan and stir until it melts into silky ribbons. Taste and adjust salt as needed; add a splash more broth if you want a looser consistency.

Step 7: Bring Back the Salmon

Nestle your seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, scooping some orzo around and over them. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to warm the salmon all the way through and let flavors mingle.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Top the finished dish with an extra grind of black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes, if you appreciate a touch of heat. Serve straight from the skillet and bask in those fresh, vibrant aromas.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness, scatter additional chopped parsley or dill over the skillet, along with lemon wedges to squeeze over each serving. A fresh dusting of Parmesan right before serving brings out the cheesiness in the orzo and adds restaurant-level flair. If you love a little spice, those red pepper flakes are perfect.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty by itself, but it pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for more textures and colors. Warm, crusty bread is also wonderful alongside One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, perfect for soaking up every bit of saucy orzo left in the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual fillets over beds of orzo on shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or thinly sliced radish. For family-style meals, bring the skillet to the table for sharing, letting everyone dig in together—this makes dinners feel special and festive. If packing leftovers for lunch, serve the orzo cold with salmon flaked on top for a refreshing grain salad twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days and makes a fabulous next-day lunch or quick dinner, with the flavors getting even better as they meld.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Pack the salmon and orzo separately in freezer-safe containers. When frozen this way, the meal will keep for up to one month. Just know that the orzo’s texture may change slightly upon thawing, but it’s still delicious.

Reheating

To reheat One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, splashing in a little extra broth or water to loosen the orzo. The salmon can also be reheated in the microwave, but doing so slowly will keep it moist and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for this recipe, you can swap in other firm fish like cod, trout, or even halibut. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on thickness.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can leave out the Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. For an extra creamy texture, try adding a splash of dairy-free creamer or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor boost.

Can I make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the orzo with your favorite gluten-free small pasta or rice. Just check the cooking time, as it may vary, and adjust the liquid as needed.

What can I substitute for spinach?

If you don’t have baby spinach, try chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but all work beautifully in this skillet recipe.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet?

Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally as it cooks and keep an eye on the liquid level. If it starts to stick, add a splash more broth and stir well to loosen it up—using a nonstick or well-seasoned pan also helps!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a cozy, flavor-packed, fuss-free dinner, and One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is exactly that. It’s simple, endlessly adaptable, and sure to win over anyone at your table. Give it a try and watch this vibrant dish become one of your go-to favorites!

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