One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that can be made in just one skillet, you’ve come to the right place! This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite. It combines tender, pan-seared salmon with creamy lemon orzo, all cooked together with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy family gathering, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and comforting.

What makes this recipe extra special is how simple it is to prepare. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time after time. Trust me; it’s bound to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• All-in-One Meal: With salmon, orzo, and veggies cooked in one skillet, you save time on both cooking and cleaning.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of lemon juice and Parmesan adds a delightful tanginess that elevates the entire dish.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the flavors of this creamy orzo paired with tender salmon.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the salmon and nutrients from the spinach, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You might already have many of these on hand!

For the Salmon

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Orzo

• 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

For Serving

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If salmon isn’t your favorite, try using chicken breast or shrimp for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make it even heartier.
• Change up the cheese: Instead of Parmesan, use feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you love some heat in your meals.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s get everything ready. Grate your Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince those garlic cloves. Don’t forget to pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps achieve that lovely sear! Season both sides generously with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of your salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

In a large nonstick pan or skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add your seasoned salmon fillets. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown. This step is crucial because it locks in all those delicious flavors while giving you that beautiful crust. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add your finely chopped onion along with minced garlic into the same skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is important as sautéing brings out their natural sweetness which enhances the overall flavor of our dish! Stir in thyme along with the rest of your salt and pepper before adding in the orzo.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Toast your orzo pasta in this aromatic mixture for about a minute. This step adds depth to its flavor before we introduce liquid to cook it through! Now pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low so it simmers gently while stirring occasionally—this prevents sticking—until most of the liquid is absorbed but it’s still slightly al dente (about 8 minutes).

Step 5: Add Spinach & Flavor Boosters

Once your orzo has cooked down nicely, stir in baby spinach until it’s wilted—this should only take around 2 minutes! Then add lemon juice and grated Parmesan into the mix; feel free to add more broth if needed for creaminess! Don’t forget to taste test—it’s important to adjust salt here if necessary!

Step 6: Reintroduce Salmon

Finally, return those beautiful salmon fillets back into your skillet. Simmer everything together for another 2-3 minutes until warm throughout—this will ensure that every bite is packed full of flavor!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Top off your dish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for an extra kick if desired. Serve hot right from the skillet—there’s no need for fancy plating here! Enjoy every creamy bite of this delightful One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo!

Pro Tips for Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll make your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo even more delicious!

• Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This not only saves time but also ensures that everything is at hand when you need it, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Sear the Salmon: Make sure to sear the salmon on medium-high heat. This creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside moist and tender, enhancing both flavor and texture.

• Stir Frequently: When cooking the orzo, stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This helps in achieving a creamy consistency and ensures even cooking throughout.

• Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjusting seasoning at the end gives you control over flavors, ensuring that your salmon and orzo are perfectly seasoned.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and lemon juice will brighten up the dish significantly. Fresh ingredients not only improve flavor but also add vibrancy that enhances the overall presentation.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Presenting this dish beautifully can elevate your meal experience, making it feel extra special for family or guests. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful one-skillet wonder!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the top just before serving for an aromatic touch that amplifies the citrus notes in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted until slightly charred provide a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.
• Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up any leftover orzo sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon and orzo.
• Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients to your plate. Its slight bitterness balances nicely with the creamy lemony orzo.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’ll create not just a meal but a beautiful dining experience that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is an excellent recipe for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be easily portioned for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What sides go well with One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you’d like to add sides, consider a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors.

How do I know when my salmon is cooked?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is delicious, you can substitute it with other firm white fish like cod or haddock if preferred.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo as much as I do! It’s such a delightful meal that brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients—all in one easy-to-clean skillet. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!