One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Looking for a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-clean-up meal? This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is exactly what you need! Perfectly seared salmon rests on a bed of creamy, citrus-kissed orzo, all cooked in one pan for maximum flavor and minimum fuss. It’s a weeknight wonder that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Balanced & Nutritious – Protein-packed salmon paired with comforting orzo and greens.
• Bright & Fresh – Lemon brings out the best in every ingredient.
• Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Elegant but Easy – Great for both casual dinners and entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup baby spinach (or kale, chopped)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet with lid
• Tongs or spatula
• Wooden spoon
• Zester or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Set aside to allow the seasoning to absorb while you prepare the orzo.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked—they’ll finish in the skillet later.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Toast Orzo

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed.
2. Add garlic and shallot, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently for even browning.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

1. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Stir in spinach and peas (if using), letting the heat wilt the greens.
4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and butter. Stir until creamy and well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish with the Salmon

1. Nestle the seared salmon fillets on top of the lemon orzo.
2. Cover and let cook over low heat for another 2–3 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked through and flaky.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
2. Enjoy right from the skillet or plate it up for a more elegant presentation.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Salmon – Pull it off the heat just as it turns opaque and flakes easily.
• Toast the Orzo – Adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
• Use Fresh Lemon – Bottled juice doesn’t offer the same brightness.
• Stir Orzo Often – Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Creamy Finish – Butter and Parmesan add that luxurious, creamy texture without needing cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad – A crisp arugula or cucumber salad balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread – Soak up every drop of that lemony orzo sauce.
• Roasted Veggies – Try asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts as a hearty side.
• Sparkling Water or Iced Tea – A refreshing drink complements the citrus notes.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Separate: If possible, store salmon and orzo separately to maintain texture.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and reheat gently over medium-low heat.
• Microwave: Use in short bursts, covering loosely to avoid drying out the salmon.
• Avoid Overheating: Especially the salmon—gentle heat is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another fish instead of salmon?
   Yes! Try cod, trout, or mahi-mahi—adjust cook times accordingly.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Absolutely. Just omit the Parmesan and butter or use your favorite plant-based alternatives.
3. What if I don’t have orzo?
   You can substitute small pasta like ditalini or even cooked rice in a pinch.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes, skip the salmon and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies or chickpeas for protein.
5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
   Not ideal for freezing due to the orzo texture, but leftovers store well in the fridge.

Final Thoughts
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is everything you want in a meal—quick, flavorful, balanced, and easy to clean up. It’s light enough for summer yet satisfying enough for a cozy dinner any time of year. The zesty lemon, creamy orzo, and tender salmon come together in perfect harmony for a dish that feels special but is totally doable on a weeknight.

Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. Let me know how it turned out for you, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mediterranean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

Print