One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. This bright, creamy, and comforting dish brings together golden-seared salmon fillets and tender orzo, all cooked in a single pan with fresh lemon, baby spinach, and plenty of herbs. It’s quick enough for a Tuesday but special enough for a celebratory meal, and trust me—you’ll be hooked from the very first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo comes from a handful of vibrant ingredients, working together for maximum flavor and color. Each one plays an important part—so let’s look at what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Salmon fillets: Go for skinless fillets—they cook evenly and let those seasonings shine!
• Salt and black pepper: Season in layers for a balanced, well-rounded flavor from start to finish.
• Sweet paprika & garlic powder: This powerful duo gives the salmon gorgeous color and a savory boost.
• Olive oil & unsalted butter: Olive oil helps with searing, while a dab of butter adds a hint of richness.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and a mellow, lingering flavor that forms the backbone of your orzo.
• Garlic cloves: Always freshly minced for the best punch—garlic brings everything together.
• Dry orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks up to creamy perfection and soaks up all those lemony, savory juices.
• Dried thyme: A little goes a long way to add herby depth and aroma.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor to the orzo without overpowering the delicate salmon.
• Baby spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a burst of nutrients—plus, it wilts down perfectly.
• Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon for that essential zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Grated Parmesan: For creaminess and a hint of savory umami that ties everything together.
• Freshly ground black pepper & chili flakes: Sprinkle over at the end for a final kick and a pop of color.

Variations

This recipe is endlessly flexible, so feel free to make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo your own. Swapping ingredients and changing up the flavors is easy—just follow your cravings (or what’s in your fridge!).

• Make it dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and swap in a vegan butter or extra olive oil.
• Go gluten-free: Try a small gluten-free pasta shape or cooked brown rice for a similar creamy texture.
• Change up the greens: Use chopped kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard instead of spinach—just sauté until wilted.
• Boost the veggies: Stir in some peas, zucchini, or roasted cherry tomatoes when you add the spinach.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of harissa for some bold heat.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Aromatics

Start by patting the salmon fillets dry—this helps that gorgeous golden crust form when they hit the skillet. Generously season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half the salt and pepper. While you’re at it, take a moment to grate your Parmesan, and finely chop that onion and garlic—they’ll cook up quickly, so having them ready is key.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the salmon fillets. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned and almost cooked through. Gently transfer them to a plate—they’ll finish later with the orzo.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics & Toast the Orzo

Drop the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the pan (no need to wipe it out; those salmon bits are flavor gold!). Cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant, then stir in the dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper. Next, add the orzo and toast for a minute, coating each grain in all those aromatic oils.

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. In about 8 minutes, it should be almost al dente—with most of the liquid absorbed but still a little creamy.

Step 5: Add Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan

Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt into the orzo for about 2 minutes. Then add the lemon juice and Parmesan, stirring until everything is creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust with more salt or broth if needed—the mixture should be like a saucy risotto, not dry.

Step 6: Finish with Salmon

Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet and simmer gently for a couple minutes to heat them through and let the flavors blend. Just before serving, top with plenty of black pepper and a scatter of chili flakes for a little spark of heat.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo truly shines with a few finishing touches. Sprinkle extra fresh Parmesan, a shower of chopped fresh parsley or dill, lemon zest, and a pinch of chili flakes over the top for color, flavor, and a little kick. It’s amazing how much a vibrant garnish can elevate the whole meal.

Side Dishes

Although this dish is satisfying on its own, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple plate of roasted asparagus will round out your table. A glass of chilled white wine and a wedge of crusty bread to swipe through those saucy orzo bits? Perfection!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a dinner guest, try plating the salmon fillet on a mound of lemon orzo, garnished with microgreens and a twist of lemon on the side. Or, bring the whole skillet to the table for a rustic family-style meal—let everyone dig in and help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The orzo may continue to soak up moisture, so you can add a splash of broth or water before reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.

Freezing

Salmon tends to dry out after freezing, and the orzo may lose its luscious texture—so I recommend enjoying this dish fresh, or within a couple days. If you do freeze, wrap portions tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth, stirring often to help the orzo loosen and get creamy again. For best results, keep the heat low to avoid overcooking the salmon.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that looks impressive, tastes like sunshine, and leaves you with just one pan to wash, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is truly the answer. Give it a try—you may find it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Enjoy every bright, creamy, herby bite!

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