One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Quick & Flavorful One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

One skillet salmon tantalizes dinner lovers seeking a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking demands minimal equipment and maximum flavor potential.

Professional chefs understand the magic of crafting humble ingredients into remarkable meals.

Bold seafood selections elevate weeknight dining from mundane to magnificent.

Delicate fish paired with bright, zesty grains creates a symphony of textures and tastes.

Home cooks appreciate streamlined recipes that minimize cleanup while maximizing culinary satisfaction.

You’ll want to master this elegant yet approachable technique for delivering restaurant-quality cuisine directly from your kitchen.

Why One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Is a Simple Favorite

  • Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: This recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup, combining perfectly seared salmon with creamy, lemony orzo in a single skillet.
  • Speedy Weeknight Meal Magic: From prep to plate, you can have a gourmet dinner ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals without extensive cooking skills.
  • Nutrient-Rich Comfort Fusion: Packed with protein from salmon, greens from spinach, and complex carbs from orzo, this dish balances nutrition and comfort with bright, zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavors that'll satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

Ingredients for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon with rich flavor and omega-3 benefits, preferably wild-caught for best taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Light liquid for cooking orzo, adds depth of flavor and helps create creamy texture.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Garlic Powder, Sweet Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spice blend for seasoning salmon, providing balanced and warm flavor profile.
  • Garlic, Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Thyme: Delicate herb that complements salmon's richness with subtle earthy notes.
  • Chili Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers, adds gentle kick at serving.
Dairy and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that creates creamy texture and adds rich flavor.
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Combination provides rich cooking fat with deep flavor and prevents sticking.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that enhances seafood and balances richness.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the dish.

How to Make This One-Pan Salmon and Orzo Dish

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Grate Parmesan cheese
  • Finely chop onion
  • Mince garlic
  • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towel
  • Season salmon with
  • Garlic powder
  • Sweet paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 2: Sear Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove salmon and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and onion to skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Sprinkle thyme and remaining seasonings.

Step 4: Cook Orzo

Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is almost tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Finish Orzo

Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Stir until creamy. Adjust liquid and seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Reunite Salmon

Return salmon to skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat. Garnish with black pepper and chili flakes before serving.

Helpful Tips for Tender Salmon and Flavorful Pasta

  • Pat Salmon Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
  • Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-high heat for initial searing, then reduce to medium for delicate cooking of orzo and vegetables.
  • Toast Orzo Briefly: Dry-toast orzo for one minute before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
  • Watch Liquid Absorption: Stir occasionally and monitor liquid levels to achieve creamy, perfectly cooked orzo without burning.
  • Finish with Fresh Touches: Add Parmesan and lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors and create a silky, luxurious sauce texture.

Best Way to Store and Reheat This One Skillet Meal

  • Refrigerate: Transfer salmon and orzo to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Goes Well with Salmon and Lemon Orzo

  • Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this salmon dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the lemon's brightness and cuts through the fish's richness.
  • Brighten with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a zesty side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to enhance the dish's lemony undertones.
  • Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy orzo sauce and add textural contrast.
  • Balance with Herbal Mocktail: Mix a refreshing drink using sparkling water, muddled mint, and a splash of lemon juice to mirror the dish's herbaceous notes.

Flavor Variations for This One-Pan Dinner

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with a blend of fresh oregano, rosemary, and basil for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the salmon beautifully.
  • Spicy Southwest Salmon: Swap sweet paprika with chipotle powder and add cumin. Mix in black beans and corn with the orzo for a southwestern-inspired one-pan meal that brings bold, smoky heat.
  • Creamy Dill Salmon Skillet: Substitute spinach with fresh dill and add a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end. Incorporate cream cheese into the orzo for a richer, more luxurious texture that enhances the fish's delicate flavor.
  • Mediterranean Vegetarian Option: Replace salmon with pan-seared halloumi cheese or plant-based fish alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a satisfying vegetarian version that maintains the dish's original essence.
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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired one skillet salmon with lemon orzo combines elegant simplicity and robust flavors. Delicate salmon nestles perfectly atop creamy orzo, creating a quick weeknight dinner that brings Mediterranean coastal charm directly to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 salmon fillets

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon (2 grams) sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dried thyme

Cooking Base and Vegetables:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (200 grams) dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach

Finishing Ingredients:

  • Juice from ½ lemon
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
  • Chili flakes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly prepare ingredients by grating Parmesan, finely chopping onion, and mincing garlic. Dry salmon fillets with paper towel and season generously with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Warm olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
  3. Lower skillet temperature to medium. Sauté garlic and onion until softened and aromatic, approximately 2 minutes. Incorporate thyme and remaining seasonings.
  4. Add orzo to the skillet and toast briefly, then pour in chicken broth. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to allow gentle simmering. Cook uncovered, stirring periodically, until orzo reaches near al dente texture and liquid reduces significantly.
  5. Fold in fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted. Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan, stirring to create a creamy consistency. Adjust liquid volume if needed and taste for seasoning.
  6. Carefully return salmon to skillet, allowing it to warm through for 2-3 minutes. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added complexity.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear salmon by patting it dry and using high heat to create a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty taste and prevent a mushy texture.
  • Use fresh spinach for added nutrition and vibrant color, wilting it quickly to maintain its bright green appearance.
  • Create a creamy sauce by stirring in Parmesan cheese, which adds richness and helps bind the dish together.
  • Customize heat levels with black pepper and optional chili flakes for a personalized spice experience.
  • One-skillet method reduces cleanup and allows flavors to meld together beautifully during the cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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