One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Bright, fresh, and delightfully satisfying, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the kind of weeknight magic you’ll want on repeat. Every forkful brings together flaky salmon, creamy lemony orzo, wilted spinach, and a parmesan finish—all cooked in just one pan for an effortless, restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how each simple ingredient in One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo plays a starring role. From sweet paprika to velvety parmesan, every element pulls its weight, ensuring gorgeous color, bold flavor, and that irresistible creamy texture you’re dreaming about.

• Skinless salmon fillets: The main event! Use fresh or thawed fillets—skinless means more seasoning soaks in and the sear is perfect.
• Salt & black pepper: Basic, but essential for bringing every flavor to life. Season in layers for the best results.
• Sweet paprika & garlic powder: A duo that adds a gentle warmth, a touch of smokiness, and savory depth to the salmon.
• Olive oil & unsalted butter: Using both gives your salmon a beautiful golden crust and extra richness, while the butter adds melt-in-your-mouth flavor to the orzo.
• Yellow onion and fresh garlic: These create a flavor foundation that makes the whole dish taste slow-cooked, even on a busy night.
• Dry orzo pasta: Orzo cooks up tender and creamy right in the skillet, soaking up all those luscious pan juices.
• Dried thyme: This earthiness balances the creaminess of the orzo and the brightness of the lemon.
• Low sodium chicken broth: The base for cooking the orzo—using low sodium lets you control the seasoning and avoid overseasoning.
• Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh, almost silky component as it wilts into the creamy pasta.
• Fresh lemon juice: Totally brightens the dish, making every bite sing.
• Grated Parmesan: For that salty, creamy finish—don’t skimp!
• Freshly ground black pepper & chili flakes (for serving): Finish with a little extra pop and heat, if you like.

Variations

One of the best parts about One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is just how open it is to riffing and personalization! Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or craving a new flavor twist, this dish is a blank canvas.

• Switch Up the Greens: Try kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard for a different color and flavor profile—just give heartier greens a bit more time to wilt.
• Try a Different Protein: Chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu work beautifully with the same skillet-pasta method if you want to swap out the salmon.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche with the parmesan for a richer, more decadent dish.
• Bump Up the Veggies: Peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are fantastic folded in with the spinach for extra texture and color.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Season the Salmon

Let’s make life easier—before you turn on the stove, go ahead and grate the parmesan, chop that onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel so you get a gorgeous sear, then season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper blend. This little flavor boost works wonders!

Step 2: Sear Salmon Fillets

Heat your olive oil and butter over medium-high in a roomy, nonstick skillet. Once shimmering, carefully lay in the salmon fillets—you should hear an instantly satisfying sizzle. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden and just-cooked through. Gently transfer to a plate and set aside (don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked, they’ll finish later!).

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

With the salmon resting, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and garlic right into those glorious pan drippings. Cook, stirring, until soft and fragrant—about 2 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme plus the remaining salt and pepper. Now, toss in the orzo and toast for one minute to unlock maximum depth and nutty aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo in Broth

Pour in your chicken broth, give it a good stir, and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered for around 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is almost al dente—it should look creamy!

Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan

Add in your baby spinach and cook for a brief 2 minutes, stirring just until wilted. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and grated parmesan. If things look dry, add a splash more broth for a luscious, loose texture. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed—you want every bite to pop!

Step 6: Return Salmon and Serve

Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet with the herby, lemony orzo. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, just until the salmon is heated through and flakes easily with a fork. Finish with plenty of black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love a little extra kick. Dinner is ready!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

This dish shines with a flourish of freshly grated parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. If you like a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes provides beautiful contrast to the creamy orzo.

Side Dishes

Since One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is already a complete meal, simple sides work best—think a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlicky green beans. For a cozy dinner, a slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra-special, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls, tucking the salmon fillets into a nest of lemony orzo, and sprinkling on microgreens or edible flowers for color. Or, set the skillet on the table for family-style sharing—there’s something soul-satisfying about digging in together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely, then tuck them into an airtight container. One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo keeps well in the fridge for up to two days—the flavors actually meld and get even better overnight!

Freezing

While it’s technically possible to freeze the leftover orzo and salmon, you’ll get the best texture if enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. The creamy orzo can become a little soft after freezing, but the flavors still shine if it’s your best storage option!

Reheating

To reheat, place the orzo and salmon in a skillet with a splash of broth or water over low heat. Cover and warm gently to preserve that tender texture and keep the salmon from drying out. A fresh squeeze of lemon after reheating really perks everything up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something nourishing, vibrant, and deeply satisfying, give One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo a try. It’s pure comfort with a bright, fresh twist—easy enough for a Tuesday, special enough for guests. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!

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