Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for those who love simple, flavorful, and nutritious meals. It’s a one-pan dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, thanks to the creamy orzo, bright lemon, and perfectly seared salmon. The addition of spinach and Parmesan cheese creates a balance of richness and freshness that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 skinless salmon fillets
1 tsp salt (divided)
1 tsp black pepper (divided)
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp unsalted butter

For the Lemon Orzo:

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 oz baby spinach
Juice from ½ lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
Chili flakes (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Ingredients: Grate Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Orzo: Reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic and onion to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cooking uncovered and stirring occasionally until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes).
Finish the Dish: Add spinach to the orzo, stir until wilted. Then, stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Return the salmon to the skillet, breaking it into large pieces and mixing it gently with the orzo.
Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: Swap the salmon for shrimp or chicken if you prefer.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the salmon and add more vegetables like broccoli or peas to the orzo.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep the orzo moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian option.

Is orzo the only pasta I can use?

Orzo works best for this recipe, but you can substitute it with another small pasta like ditalini or small shells.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Can I prepare the orzo ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the orzo fresh, as it can become mushy if prepared too far in advance.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, orzo contains gluten. You can use a gluten-free pasta as a substitute.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can use mozzarella, Asiago, or another mild cheese in place of Parmesan.

Can I use a different herb instead of thyme?

You can substitute thyme with rosemary, oregano, or basil, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect dish for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The combination of perfectly seared salmon and creamy, zesty orzo is a winner that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress!

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is an easy, delicious, and nutritious dish that combines seared salmon with creamy, lemon-infused orzo and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Grate Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Orzo: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and onion to the skillet, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Simmer the Orzo: Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed (about 8 minutes).
Finish the Dish: Add spinach to the orzo, stir until wilted. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Return salmon to the skillet, breaking it into large pieces and gently mixing it with the orzo.
Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes.

Notes

Protein Options: Substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different protein.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the salmon and add more vegetables like peas, zucchini, or broccoli.

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American