One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Looking for a dinner that’s both impressive and easy? This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo has become my family’s new favorite! Perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled on a bed of creamy, lemony orzo pasta with wilted spinach all made in just one pan.

The combination of tender salmon, al dente pasta, and bright citrus flavors creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s actually simple enough for busy weeknights.

I came up with this recipe last month when I needed something quick but special for dinner with David. The kids were surprisingly enthusiastic too even James, who usually turns his nose up at fish, cleaned his plate without complaint!

It’s now in our regular rotation for those nights when I want something that feels fancy without the fuss.

Check out my Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe for another family-friendly salmon dinner option!

Why You’ll Love This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Family-Approved: Both kids and adults will enjoy this balanced meal with mild, creamy flavors that complement the salmon perfectly.

Quick Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening.

Weeknight Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, this satisfying meal fits easily into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients for Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• 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
• 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 ounces baby spinach
• Juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• Chili flakes (for serving, optional)

Key Ingredient Notes for Lemon Orzo Salmon

Skinless Salmon Fillets: Using skinless fillets makes this dish easier to eat and allows the seasoning to flavor both sides of the fish.

If you can only find skin-on salmon, that works too just place the fillets skin-side down first when searing.

Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta creates the perfect base for this dish, absorbing flavors while maintaining a pleasant texture. The creamy lemon orzo really makes this dish special!

Baby Spinach: Adds beautiful color, nutrients, and a mild flavor that works wonderfully with the other ingredients.

My garden wasn’t producing spinach when I developed this recipe, but fresh spinach from the farmers’ market was perfect.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds creaminess and savory depth to the orzo. I recommend using freshly grated rather than pre-packaged for the best flavor and melting quality.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

1: Prep and Season

Get your prep done before you start cooking: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

2: Sear the Salmon

Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside.

The centers can still be slightly undercooked as they’ll finish cooking later. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.

3: Make the Orzo Base

Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion to the same pan. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the pasta in the flavorful oil.

4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.

5: Add Greens and Finish

Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan.

Add a splash more broth if needed if the mixture seems too dry. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

6: Return Salmon and Serve

Return salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through and fully cooked.

Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if desired. Serve directly from the pan for a beautiful presentation!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Don’t overcook the salmon: The fillets will continue cooking when returned to the pan, so it’s better to slightly undercook them during the initial sear.

Watch the orzo carefully: Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and add more broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Use a large enough pan: You need space to sear all four salmon fillets and cook the orzo. A 12-inch skillet works perfectly.

Fresh lemon makes a difference: The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice really brings this dish together, so I don’t recommend substituting with bottled juice.

Variations for One Skillet Salmon and Orzo

Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in a handful of halved cherry tomatoes when you add the spinach for bursts of sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color.

Try Different Herbs: Substitute the dried thyme with fresh dill, basil, or oregano for a different flavor profile. I’ve made this with fresh dill from my garden, and it was amazing!

Include More Veggies: Add diced zucchini or bell peppers when cooking the onions for extra nutrients and color.

Make it Creamier: For a richer version, add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream when stirring in the Parmesan cheese. When my picky eater Sophia is having a particularly fussy day, the creamy version usually wins her over.

What to Serve with Salmon and Lemon Orzo

This one-pan meal is pretty complete on its own, but here are some simple side options if you want to round out your meal:

• Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini for a vegetable-forward accompaniment
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Cheesy Garlic Baked Green Beans for a kid-friendly vegetable option
• Crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful orzo

Storage and Reheating for One Skillet Salmon

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The orzo will absorb more liquid as it sits.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo. Be careful not to overcook the salmon during reheating.

Meal Prep: If you want to prepare components ahead, you can make the orzo portion and refrigerate it separately, then cook fresh salmon when ready to serve.

FAQs About Salmon with Orzo

One Skillet Meals We Love

If you enjoy the convenience of one-pan cooking, you might also like these other recipes from my kitchen:

• One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
• One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
• Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

I hope your family loves this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo as much as mine does! It’s become our go-to for those nights when we want something special without a lot of fuss.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did your kids enjoy it as much as Sophia and James did? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy cooking!

Iris

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