One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo combines tender, flaky salmon with bright, zesty lemon orzo for a fresh and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and all made in one pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for orzo)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for orzo)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for orzo)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat salmon fillets dry and rub the seasoning evenly over them.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon lemon juice during the last minute. Remove salmon and set aside, keeping warm.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet; sauté about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat with butter and garlic. Pour in chicken broth and water, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until cheese melts and orzo is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Let them reheat slightly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor, but farmed salmon works well too.
• Substitute orzo with couscous, quinoa, or rice for a gluten-free option.
• Add spinach or asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking the orzo for extra veggies.
• Swap parsley for dill, basil, or chives to change the herb flavor.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo moist. You can freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before seasoning and cooking to achieve a crispy crust and even cooking.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or water can be used if you prefer, though using broth adds extra flavor to the orzo.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant and easy-to-make meal combining tender, perfectly seared salmon with zesty, creamy lemon orzo cooked all in one pan. Ideal for busy weeknights, this healthy dish boasts bright flavors, minimal cleanup, and is loved by the whole family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Lemon Orzo

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the salmon dry and evenly rub the seasoning mixture over each fillet to ensure a flavorful crust.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice during the last minute of cooking, then remove the salmon to keep warm.
3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add unsalted butter to the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Cook the Orzo: Stir orzo into the butter and garlic, coating the pasta well. Pour in chicken broth and water, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
5. Finish the Orzo: Remove the lid and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the orzo becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Combine and Serve: Nestle the cooked salmon fillets back on top of the orzo in the skillet. Allow to warm slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with optional extra lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Notes

• Use fresh wild-caught salmon for best flavor, or farmed salmon as a suitable alternative.
• Orzo can be substituted with couscous, quinoa, or rice for gluten-free variations.
• Add vegetables like spinach or asparagus during the last minutes of cooking the orzo for added nutrition.
• For a spicy twist, sprinkle red pepper flakes with the seasoning mix.
• Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.
• Freezing is possible up to 1 month but best enjoyed fresh.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: One Skillet Salmon, Lemon Orzo, Easy Dinner, Quick Salmon Recipe, Healthy Salmon, Family Meal, Weeknight Dinner, One Pan Meal