If you are searching for a dish that combines simplicity, vibrant flavors, and minimal cleanup, this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine tender, perfectly seared salmon fillets sitting atop a bed of creamy, lemon-kissed orzo pasta with wilted spinach and a touch of Parmesan cheese for richness. It all comes together beautifully in just one skillet, making it not only a delight for your taste buds but also an easy, weeknight-friendly recipe that feels special enough for weekend dinners. Whether you’re a salmon lover or new to cooking fish, this dish balances freshness, texture, and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each element adds its own magic, from the flaky salmon providing protein, to the orzo pasta offering a comforting base, and the lemon juice lifting the entire dish with a zesty brightness. The mix of aromatics and spices enhances complexity, while fresh spinach brightens the palette both in color and nutrition.
- 4 skinless salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty richness that melts into the orzo for creaminess.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that gives the orzo flavor and moistness without overpowering.
- Juice from ½ lemon: Provides a bright, fresh note that balances richness beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing the salmon to a golden crust.
- 1 tsp unsalted butter: Adds extra richness and helps with browning.
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped): Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with savory warmth.
- 1 tsp salt (divided): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided): Adds mild heat and aromatic spice.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor that complements the salmon.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts garlicky undertones effortlessly.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that pairs wonderfully with both fish and pasta.
- Freshly ground black pepper (for serving): Adds a final peppery kick right at the table.
- Chili flakes (for serving): Optional, for a touch of heat if desired.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings a fresh, bright finish and a lovely pop of color.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by grating the Parmesan cheese, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. Then, generously season your salmon fillets on both sides with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. This combination of spices gives the salmon a beautifully flavorful crust once seared.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Golden Perfection
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with the butter. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, ensuring you get a golden-brown crust that seals in the juices. After cooking, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. The skillet now holds all those flavorful browned bits — salt them away!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Orzo
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them gently until the onion is soft and translucent, which builds the foundation for a rich and savory orzo. Stir in the dried thyme, then add the orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about a minute, letting it soak up all the aromatic flavors present in the skillet before adding any liquid.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and let the orzo cook uncovered for approximately 8 minutes or until the broth has mostly absorbed and the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and make sure every grain cooks evenly.
Step 5: Add Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan
Once the orzo is nearly ready, stir in the baby spinach to wilt it gently in the residual heat. Then, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture to brighten every bite, followed by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese. This step creates a luscious, creamy coating for the orzo, with that perfect balance of tangy and savory.
Step 6: Return Salmon to the Skillet
Place the seared salmon fillets back onto the bed of lemony orzo and spinach. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. This final moment helps blend the flavors, warms the salmon through, and allows the juices to mingle with the pasta, giving you a harmonious finish.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over the top adds just the right touch of spice and visual appeal. Finely chopped fresh parsley scattered across the dish not only brightens the color but also infuses a fresh, herbaceous fragrance that complements the lemon perfectly.
Side Dishes
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is flavorful and filling on its own, but if you want to add a little extra, consider a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or steamed asparagus for some contrasting crunch and freshness. Roasted cherry tomatoes would also pair beautifully, providing a burst of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the skillet to keep it rustic and homey, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the warmth. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to add extra zing if they like. For a more elegant touch, drizzle a little quality olive oil or a balsamic glaze around the plate to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover salmon and orzo to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the dish will keep well for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that salmon is best enjoyed fresh but still retains great flavor for a short while.
Freezing
Because this recipe includes pasta, freezing is possible but not always ideal because the texture of the orzo and spinach might change upon thawing. If you must freeze, wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the salmon moist and prevent the orzo from drying out. A splash of chicken broth or a quick squeeze of lemon juice while reheating will help refresh the flavors. Avoid using a microwave if you want to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on salmon, just start by searing the skin side down first to get it nice and crispy before flipping. The crisp skin adds fantastic texture, but be sure to adjust cooking time slightly to cook through.
Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
Yes! Vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute if you want a lighter or vegetarian option for the orzo base. You can also use water with added herbs or a bouillon cube mixed in for flavor.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a nicer crunch and color. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before stirring into the orzo to avoid a watery dish.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese and butter. You can add a little extra olive oil to enrich the orzo and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
You can experiment with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, couscous, or even quinoa to keep a similar texture and cooking time. Just check the cooking instructions for those substitutes to adjust broth accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about making a delicious meal in just one pan, and the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is a stellar example of that simplicity in action. With bright lemon, tender salmon, and creamy orzo all in perfect harmony, this dish is bound to win hearts at your dinner table. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite easy dinners!
Print
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This one skillet salmon with lemon orzo is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection and combined with creamy Parmesan-infused orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon juice—all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Liquids and Fats
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and season the salmon fillets with half of the salt, pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme, ensuring the fillets are evenly coated.
- Sear the salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, swirling to coat the pan. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, then add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for about 1 minute to enhance flavor.
- Cook orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add spinach and finish orzo: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Then mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the pasta mixture, creating a creamy texture. Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Continue cooking everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the salmon to finish cooking and absorb some of the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and, if desired, add freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian-friendly.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used as alternatives.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and use a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
