One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

If weeknight dinners ever felt like a juggling act, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is that magical recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s bursting with flavor—pan-seared salmon nestled in creamy, lemony orzo, bright and green with baby spinach, kissed by a sprinkle of Parmesan. The best part? You get all this on your table in just 30 minutes, all cooked together in a single skillet. Meals like this are a joy for busy cooks: minimal fuss, easy cleanup, and a dish that tastes like it belongs in a fancy bistro. Trust me, this impressive yet approachable meal is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how this ingredient list is short, streamlined, and so forgiving. Every component in One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo brings something unique to the table—think color, texture, or loads of dynamic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick note on why it matters:

• Salmon fillets: The star of the show, offering rich, flaky bites that cook up beautifully in a skillet.
• Salt (divided): Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the orzo, enhancing every flavor.
• Coarsely ground black pepper (divided): Adds gentle heat and depth, especially when freshly cracked.
• Sweet paprika: Gives warmth and color to the salmon, making it as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
• Garlic powder: Balances with earthy savoriness, amplifying both salmon and orzo.
• Olive oil: For searing the salmon to perfection and lending fruity richness.
• Unsalted butter: Provides a silky finish and toasts the aromatics just right.
• Yellow onion (finely chopped): Builds sweetness and flavor right from the start.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Delivers that irresistible aroma and punch we love in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• Dry orzo pasta: A short-cut pasta that cooks quickly and drinks up all the flavor in the skillet.
• Dried thyme: Brings a touch of herbal, woodsy fragrance that works wonders with salmon and lemon.
• Low sodium chicken broth: The backbone of creamy orzo, keeping things light yet flavorful.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a dose of nutrients without overpowering the dish.
• Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): Lifts the entire skillet with a bright, citrusy tang.
• Grated Parmesan: The finishing touch for creamy, nutty, umami-rich flavor.
• Freshly ground black pepper (for serving): Sprinkled on at the last moment to wake everything up.
• Chili flakes (for serving): Optional, but a must if you like a little gentle heat at the end.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start, take a few minutes to get everything ready—grate the Parmesan, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and pat those salmon fillets dry for maximum crispness. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half of your salt, and half of your pepper. It’s this little moment of prep that makes the dish super streamlined once you heat up the skillet!

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat your olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. When the butter is sizzling, nestle in the salmon fillets. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side. You want a crisp outside and still-moist inside—don’t be tempted to move them around too much! Once they’re gorgeously golden, set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Toast Orzo

Turn the heat down to medium and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these for about two minutes—just long enough for them to get soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in the thyme and the rest of your salt and pepper. Now, stir in the dry orzo and toast it for one minute so it gets just a little nutty and golden.

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low so it simmers steadily. Let the orzo cook uncovered, stirring now and then to keep it from sticking. After about 8 minutes, the orzo should be nearly al dente and most of the broth absorbed.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach & Add Flavors

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir it through the hot orzo. It will wilt down almost immediately, becoming silky and bright green. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir in the grated Parmesan—watch the orzo turn irresistibly creamy right before your eyes! Taste at this point and add a pinch more salt if you like. If the mixture seems a little thick, add a splash more broth to reach your perfect consistency.

Step 6: Return Salmon & Finish

Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet, tucking them into the creamy orzo. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the salmon is warmed through and the flavors meld. Finish with a fresh grind of black pepper and, if you like, a scattering of chili flakes for a little extra kick. Dish it up straight from the skillet, and enjoy!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

For this dreamy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, garnishing is your chance to add a pop of color and texture. I love a generous sprinkling of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill, a few thin lemon slices tucked on top, and an extra flutter of Parmesan right before serving. Those chili flakes add sparkle for anyone who loves a little heat!

Side Dishes

This dish is so complete on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, a simple green salad works beautifully alongside—think arugula or mixed greens tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also wonderful for catching every drop of creamy orzo left in your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo looks stunning when served family-style straight from the skillet, but you can also plate individual portions with a twist of lemon and microgreens for a more elegant feel. For a weeknight dinner party, try spooning the orzo into shallow bowls, nestling the salmon on top, and drizzling just a touch of good olive oil to finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, let everything cool to room temperature before packing it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making your leftovers surprisingly irresistible!

Freezing

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of the lemon orzo component if needed. Place the cooled orzo (minus the salmon fillets for best texture) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Reheat gently and top with freshly cooked or leftover salmon.

Reheating

To reheat, place the orzo and salmon in a skillet with a splash of extra broth to loosen things up. Warm over low to medium heat, stirring gently to keep the salmon flakes intact. A quick pass through the microwave works too—just cover loosely and add a bit of liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on salmon for this dish?

Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on fillets, simply sear the skin side first until crispy, then carefully flip. The skin will add extra texture, and you can leave it on or remove before serving as you wish.

Is there a good substitute for orzo?

Yes! If you can’t find orzo, try using another small pasta shape like ditalini or even pearl couscous. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary.

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

You sure can. Use a plant-based butter substitute, swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast, and make sure your broth is dairy-free. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

What’s the best way to tell if my salmon is cooked?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque all the way through. For best results, use an instant-read thermometer and look for an internal temp of 125–130°F for moist, tender fillets.

Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?

Of course! This recipe is flexible—think peas, asparagus tips, or even halved cherry tomatoes. Stir them in with the orzo so they cook through, keeping the spirit of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo bright and seasonal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo—this is a meal that disappears fast at my table and leaves everyone clamoring for seconds. If you crave easy, comforting dinners that don’t sacrifice a bit of flavor, give this recipe a try. Your skillet (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Print