Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup milk or half-and-half; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Lemon slices for garnish

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If you’re craving a simple yet sophisticated dinner that radiates fresh flavor and comes together in one pan, look no further than the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe. Tender salmon fillets nestle atop creamy lemony orzo, all enriched by a swirl of Parmesan and fresh herbs. Best of all, this Mediterranean-inspired wonder comes together in just half an hour—making it your new dinnertime hero for busy weeknights, leisurely weekends, or any evening when you want to wow without the fuss.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how it lets a handful of key ingredients shine—each bringing punchy flavor and gorgeous color to your skillet. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why every component matters in the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe:

Salmon fillets: Rich, buttery salmon brings substance and heartiness—the star protein that pairs perfectly with bright lemon and herby flavors.
Olive oil: For searing the salmon to golden perfection and lending a lightly fruity background note.
Salt and black pepper: The foundation for flavor—don’t skimp on seasoning!
Garlic powder: Adds mellow depth to the salmon’s crust, playing up the fresh garlic in the orzo.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks up creamy and tender, forming the perfect “bed” for your salmon.
Fresh garlic cloves: Bold, aromatic complexity—nothing compares to fresh garlic sizzling in the pan.
Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness; go low-sodium if you’d like to keep things lighter.
Milk or half-and-half: Adds silkiness and a bit of richness to the orzo base.
Lemon juice and zest: Lively citrus brightens the whole dish, balancing the salmon’s richness and making every bite sing.
Butter: Swirled in at the end for irresistible creaminess and shine.
Fresh parsley: A final flourish of color and clean, herby bite that balances the creamy orzo.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty-salty finish; totally up to your taste and dietary needs.
Lemon slices: More than just a garnish—they double down on the fresh, bright theme.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Season the Salmon

First, lay out your salmon fillets and pat them dry—this helps them crisp up beautifully in the pan. Season on both sides with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This seasoning acts as a flavorful crust and infuses the fillets all the way through.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Set your largest skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When it shimmers, lay in the salmon fillets skin side down (if they have skin). Let them sizzle, undisturbed, for 4 to 5 minutes so a crust forms. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the fillets are cooked through but still juicy. Transfer them to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Without washing out the skillet, lower the heat to medium and add your dry orzo. Toast it for a minute or two, stirring frequently, so it takes on a little golden color and nutty aroma. Add your minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or half-and-half), using a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits the salmon left behind. Bring to a simmer, then let the orzo cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally; the orzo absorbs the liquid and turns creamy.

Step 5: Finish the Orzo

When the orzo is nearly tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up, stir in your lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. If using, add the Parmesan for extra richness. Lastly, toss in fresh parsley for that beautiful pop of green.

Step 6: Reunite and Warm the Salmon

Nestle the cooked salmon back into the skillet, right on top of the lemon orzo. Let everything warm through together for another minute or two. Just before serving, crown your masterpiece with lemon slices and extra parsley. The One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe is ready to serve family-style—dig in!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

Give your plate a restaurant-quality finish with fresh lemon slices, more chopped parsley, and a snow of grated Parmesan cheese. A quick squeeze of extra lemon over the top enlivens all the flavors. The key? Make it look as vibrant as it tastes, because we all eat with our eyes first!

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but you can round out the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes. A warm baguette doesn’t hurt, either—it soaks up any leftover orzo like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night or dinner parties, present each salmon fillet on an individual mound of orzo, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a special touch. Or, serve straight from the skillet at the table for a cozy, family-style experience—let everyone help themselves to as much (orzo) as they wish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the salmon and orzo into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld overnight, making it a great next-day lunch. Try to keep the salmon resting atop the orzo so it doesn’t get too soggy.

Freezing

While the cooked orzo may soften a bit in the freezer, the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe can be frozen for up to one month. For best texture, wrap the salmon separately and freeze the orzo in a container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked magic, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the orzo. Warm the salmon carefully so it stays moist—cover the pan and use low heat. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop delivers the best results.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type Main Course

Absolutely! Try trout, cod, or even sea bass if you’re looking to shake things up. Just keep an eye on cooking times since thinner fillets need less time in the pan.

Is this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe gluten-free?

Standard orzo is made from wheat, but you can swap in a gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta to make the whole dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

What vegetables can I add to boost the nutrition?

Get creative! Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or frozen peas as the orzo finishes cooking, or add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or chopped artichoke hearts for added color and nutrients.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin before cooking?

You don’t have to—if the fillets have skin, sear them skin-side down for crispness, then the skin will peel right off after cooking if you prefer not to eat it.

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

Definitely—use olive oil instead of butter, swap dairy milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and skip the Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The result will still be bright, creamy, and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe transforms dinnertime into something effortless and truly special with just a single pan and fresh, flavorful ingredients. Give it a try, make it your own, and let this easy, elegant meal bring joy to your table—there’s a good chance it’ll become a new staple in your kitchen, too.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines perfectly seared salmon with flavorful lemon orzo pasta. A Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder

Lemon Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup milk or half-and-half
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

Season the salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon fillets skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the orzo: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the orzo. Toast for 1–2 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Finish the dish: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, parsley, and Parmesan (if using). Return the salmon to the skillet and warm through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with extra lemon slices and parsley before serving.