One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

If you’re hunting down a meal that’s both effortless and elegant, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the answer to so many dinnertime dilemmas. In just 30 minutes, you get perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled in a bed of creamy, lemon-kissed orzo, flecked with vibrant spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Every bite is a bright, comforting mix of flavors and textures, all wrapped up in one pan for easy cleanup. This dish shines on busy weeknights and impresses company on weekends—it’s truly a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how basic ingredients can come together to create such a standout supper. Each component in One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo builds flavor, richness, or color—nothing here is filler. Gather everything first so you can breeze through cooking, and don’t skip the Parmesan at the end for that crave-worthy finish!

• Salmon fillets: Go for skinless pieces for fuss-free eating; pat them dry for the best sear and flavor.
• Salt (divided): Salting in stages layers the seasoning through every part of the dish.
• Coarsely ground black pepper (divided): Adds warmth and subtle spice, both on the salmon and in the orzo.
• Sweet paprika: Brings lovely color and a gentle, smoky undertone to the salmon.
• Garlic powder: Rounds out the salmon seasoning for cozy, all-around flavor.
• Olive oil: A must for searing salmon and developing that irresistible golden crust.
• Unsalted butter: Delivers silkiness and a touch of richness to the base.
• Yellow onion, finely chopped: Soft, sweet onions create a flavorful start for the orzo.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Nothing beats the savory depth that fresh garlic brings.
• Dry orzo pasta: The pasta cooks up creamy and tender without any need for separate boiling—true one-skillet magic.
• Dried thyme: Delicate herbal notes tie the whole dish together.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Provides savory background flavor and keeps everything moist and creamy.
• Baby spinach: Adds gorgeous green color and an extra boost of nutrition.
• Lemon juice: A splash at the end wakes up every flavor in the skillet.
• Grated Parmesan: Creates a lush, cheesy finish that you’ll want in every bite.
• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving: A final flourish for flavor and a little bite.
• Chili flakes, for serving: Totally optional, but great for adding a hint of heat at the table.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

This stage is the secret to making everything else feel simple. Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic so you’re not scrambling while the pan is hot. Don’t forget to pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half the salt, and half the pepper. This ensures you’re set up for the best flavor from the get-go.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat your olive oil and butter together over medium-high in a roomy nonstick skillet. Once the butter sizzles, lay the salmon fillets in without crowding them. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, developing that gorgeous golden exterior. When done, gently transfer them to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry—they’ll return to finish cooking with all those wonderful juices!

Step 3: Build That Flavorful Base

Turn the heat down to medium and add your onion and garlic straight to the same pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes until everything smells amazing and turns soft—this gives your orzo major depth. Stir in the dried thyme with the remaining salt and pepper so the herbs bloom right in the heat.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo & Simmer

Pour the dry orzo pasta into the skillet, stirring for about a minute to toast it gently in those savory fats. This step develops a subtle nuttiness that makes the finished orzo even more satisfying. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Let it come to a boil, lower to a medium-low simmer, and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes. Give it a stir every now and then to keep the orzo from sticking. Watch as it thickens and soaks up most of the liquid, becoming creamy yet tender.

Step 5: Finish & Assemble One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Add the spinach, stirring until it wilts into the orzo for some lovely color and freshness. Splash in the lemon juice and stir in the grated Parmesan—this is where the magic happens and the flavors really wake up. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or a splash of broth, if you need extra creaminess. Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet and let everything mingle and heat through for 2-3 minutes before serving.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

To really make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo pop, finish it off with a flurry of freshly cracked black pepper, a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and a few chili flakes if you’re craving some spice. A little zest of fresh lemon is never a bad idea for added sparkle.

Side Dishes

This dish is so complete that you don’t need much else, but it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or maybe even some garlicky bread for extra comfort. If you want a lighter plate, just add a handful of fresh herbs or microgreens alongside the salmon and orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your family dinner into something special by serving One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo straight from the pan at the table (it’s just so inviting). For a fancier touch, try plating individual portions, fanning the salmon over the orzo and topping with a stack of lemony arugula or shaved fennel salad. Mini cast iron skillets work wonders for a dinner party vibe, giving everyone their own personal skillet supper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, simply transfer leftovers from your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to two days—just be sure to keep the salmon and orzo together, as the flavors mingle and improve overnight.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of the orzo (minus the salmon) in a freezer-safe container for even quicker meals later. Salmon itself can dry out a bit when frozen, but if you absolutely need to, tightly wrap individual fillets and store them separately for up to a month.

Reheating

To bring leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo back to life, add a splash of broth or water and gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring until hot and creamy. For the salmon, reheat slowly and cover the pan so it warms through without drying out. The microwave works in a pinch—just go low and slow!

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning and searing. This helps you get that perfectly crisp golden crust in your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this dish?

You can easily swap the salmon for roasted veggies—try thick slices of eggplant or zucchini seared in the skillet. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and finish with extra Parmesan for a super satisfying meatless version.

Can I use another type of fish?

Definitely! Firm white fish like cod or halibut works well, or even trout fillets. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets, as some may cook a bit faster than salmon.

How do I know when the orzo is done?

Orzo should be tender but still retain a slight bite—think al dente. Most of the liquid should be absorbed, and the mixture should look creamy, not soupy. If it gets dry, just add a splash of broth while stirring.

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

Yes! Skip the butter and Parmesan, and choose a good dairy-free cheese or simply drizzle in a bit more olive oil at the end for added silkiness. It’ll still taste bright and luscious thanks to the lemon and herbs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in need of a stress-free weeknight hero or a dinner party star, I can’t recommend One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo enough. This one-pan wonder is pure comfort with a zesty twist—give it a try and watch it instantly become an all-time favorite at your table!

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