One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender salmon with creamy, lemony orzo pasta. With just one pan, you can create a delicious and comforting meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, divided
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• Juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
• Chili flakes, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by grating the Parmesan, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan. If the mixture seems dry, add more broth as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
7. Step 7: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is warmed through.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the salmon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Swap out baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
• Add a splash of white wine along with the broth for extra depth of flavor.
• Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangier twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if it has thickened. The salmon is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated carefully to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even searing.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the butter and Parmesan cheese, or substitute with a dairy-free alternative such as nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 146 reviews

A vibrant and delicious one skillet salmon recipe featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served over creamy lemon orzo with spinach and Parmesan. This easy and flavorful dish combines the richness of salmon with bright lemon and aromatic herbs, all cooked together in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt – divided
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper – divided
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion – finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves – minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• freshly ground black pepper – for serving
• chili flakes – for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the salmon with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
4. Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to toast for 1 minute, coating the pasta with the aromatic mixture.
5. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
6. Add Spinach and Finish Orzo: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer for 2 minutes until wilted. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. If the orzo looks too dry, add a little more broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
7. Reheat Salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet nestled over the orzo. Cover and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
8. Serve: Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Make sure to pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.
• Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level.
• Toast the orzo for enhanced nutty flavor before adding broth.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the salmon.
• Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: salmon recipe, lemon orzo, one skillet meal, quick dinner, healthy seafood, easy weeknight meal