One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Get ready to fall hard for this irresistible One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo—a weeknight dinner that’s as bright and fresh as it is comforting. This unfussy, flavor-packed meal brings together juicy seared salmon, creamy Parmesan orzo, and a sunny pop of lemon, all in a single skillet (yes, seriously!). You’ll be amazed at how quickly this gorgeous dish lands on your table—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo truly lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients—each one brings something special, from the delicate, flaky salmon to the bold, aromatic seasonings and the creamy, dreamy finish of Parmesan and lemon. Here’s a quick look at what makes up this flavor-packed dish!

• Salmon Fillets: Opt for skinless, center-cut fillets for even cooking and easy serving; fresh or thawed-from-frozen both work beautifully.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Divided, for perfect seasoning at every stage—don’t underestimate their power to bring the flavors to life!
• Sweet Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky color and depth to the salmon crust without overwhelming the delicate fish.
• Garlic Powder: Gives the salmon extra punch and pairs beautifully with the fresh garlic used later on.
• Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: This dynamic duo creates a golden sear on the salmon and builds flavor in the pan.
• Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a savory base to the orzo and sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: Essential for aromatic lift—minced and sautéed for instant depth.
• Dry Orzo Pasta: The perfect pasta for soaking up all the deliciousness; toasting it first adds amazing flavor!
• Dried Thyme: A hint of earthiness that rounds out the lemony notes without overpowering them.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds richness to the orzo without making it overly salty; veggie broth works for a pescatarian twist!
• Baby Spinach: Just toss it in—this wilts quickly and brightens up the whole skillet with color and nutrition.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! It lifts and lightens every bite of salmon and orzo.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated and stirred in at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish with tons of umami.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper & Chili Flakes: For serving—add a sprinkle for a kick of spice or extra punch.

Variations

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is your launching pad for endless creativity in the kitchen! Feel free to riff on the basics and let your tastebuds guide you—you can mix up the greens, seasonings, or even make it dairy-free. Here are some of my favorite ways to play with this recipe:

• Pescatarian Swap: Use veggie broth instead of chicken for a fully pescatarian meal with all the same luscious flavor.
• Leafy Green Lovers: Sub in baby kale or arugula for the spinach, or add peas for extra pop and sweetness.
• Zest It Up: Add lemon zest along with the juice or stir in a touch of fresh dill at the end for next-level brightness.
• Creamy Without Dairy: Skip the Parmesan and add a big spoonful of cashew cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you want a dairy-free version.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Before you even think about heating up the pan, get everything prepped: grate your Parmesan, finely chop the onion, and mince those garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry, then season both sides generously with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper. This step not only flavors your fish— it sets you up for the most glorious sear.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high. Once things are shimmering and just starting to smell amazing, nestle in your salmon fillets. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and the salmon is almost cooked through (it’ll finish later). Set the fillets aside on a plate—you’ll bring them back soon.

Step 3: Build the Orzo Base

Turn your skillet down to medium and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes—this forms the aromatic base. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and the rest of the salt and pepper. Stir in the dry orzo and toast for a minute; this toasting step brings a wonderful nutty depth to the dish.

Step 4: Simmer Orzo & Wilt the Greens

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce to a medium-low simmer, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks, and let the orzo cook uncovered until nearly al dente, about 8 minutes. When most of the liquid has absorbed, add the baby spinach, stirring until just wilted—this takes barely two minutes and gives your skillet that gorgeous green vibrance.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon & Cheese

Now for the flavor bomb! Stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Watch as the orzo gets creamy and glossy, soaking up all the citrusy, cheesy goodness. If the mixture looks a bit tight, just splash in a little extra broth until it’s as luscious as you like. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Step 6: Return Salmon & Serve

Gently nestle the salmon fillets back into the orzo mixture. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, just until the salmon is reheated and perfectly tender. A final flourish of freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes, and your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is ready to impress!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

This dish begs for a finishing touch—think a shower of extra grated Parmesan, a scattering of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a wedge of lemon on each plate for anyone who wants extra zing. A swirl of good olive oil or a pinch of flaky salt just before serving can make it feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Although One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a meal-in-one, you can never go wrong with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables on the side. Blanched asparagus, charred broccolini, or even a fresh cucumber-tomato salad would complement the orzo’s creamy brightness without overshadowing your star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve the salmon fillets atop individual mounds of lemony orzo on broad plates, or spoon everything family-style from the skillet at the table for that “just-cooked” coziness. Leftover orzo can be packed into ramekins, chilled, and unmolded onto plates for a restaurant-worthy presentation on night two—just top with a fresh seared salmon fillet!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salmon and orzo together in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll keep well for up to two days. The flavors meld overnight and are just as satisfying for lunch the next day!

Freezing

The salmon can be frozen for up to two months if tightly wrapped; however, the orzo is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, as freezing tends to change its texture. If you must freeze, store the salmon and orzo in separate containers for better results and thaw gently before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth to the orzo and microwave gently in 30-second bursts, or warm everything in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the orzo creamy and the salmon moist—just avoid overcooking, so the fish stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the kind of cheerful, fuss-free dinner you’ll want to make again and again. It’s light, bright, and packed with flavor—and the best part is how simple it is to pull off. If you give it a try, I promise it’ll become a weeknight favorite at your table too. Let me know how you love to make yours—happy cooking!

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