Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner! One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo brings together flaky, golden-seared salmon fillets and creamy, citrus-infused orzo pasta—all in a single pan. This dish is deliciously bright, deeply satisfying, and comes together with minimal fuss. Imagine the lemony aroma swirling through your kitchen as you create a meal that’s as impressive as it is easy, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off a restaurant-worthy One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo starts with a handful of fresh ingredients you might already have on hand. Each one plays an essential role, adding vibrant color, rich texture, and mouthwatering flavor to the dish.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best texture and golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the salmon and pasta.
- Olive oil: Gives the salmon a delightful sear and adds Mediterranean flair.
- Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the orzo, balancing the bright lemon notes.
- Garlic: Fragrant and savory, garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth.
- Shallot: Finely chopped for a touch of subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Orzo pasta: The tiny, rice-shaped pasta soaks up every bit of lemony goodness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides gentle seasoning while keeping the orzo creamy and flavorful. Use veggie broth for a pescatarian version!
- Lemon zest: Zest brings a punchy burst of citrus without the acidity.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and gives the orzo a lively finish. Adjust to taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo for a creamy, comforting texture and umami depth.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
- Lemon slices (optional): For a gorgeous garnish and extra hit of citrus at serving time.
How to Make One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by generously seasoning your salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the fillets skin-side up and sear for 3 to 4 minutes—this helps form a beautiful crust. Flip, then cook another 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden and almost cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside; it will finish cooking in a later step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter right into the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want every bit of flavor!). Stir in the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing for about a minute until they’re fragrant but not browned. This is where the foundational flavors for your One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo begin to build.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo, stirring to coat it in the butter and aromatics. Let it toast gently for about 2 minutes; you’ll see the orzo start to turn golden at the edges. This step draws out a toasty, nutty flavor that makes the final dish irresistible.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point!
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Herbs
Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. These last touches create a creamy, flavorful base that pairs beautifully with the salmon. Give it a taste and adjust the lemon juice or seasonings as you like.
Step 6: Finish the Salmon and Serve
Gently nestle the salmon fillets back into the orzo, cover, and let everything heat together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The salmon finishes cooking while the orzo gets creamy and lush. Top with extra parsley and a few lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy, then serve One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo straight from the pan for ultimate coziness!
How to Serve One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Garnishes
Simple touches can make your One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo look as stunning as it tastes. Sprinkle over extra fresh parsley for a burst of color, or adorn each plate with a couple of lemon slices for that sunny, inviting vibe. A final dusting of fresh Parmesan is always welcome, too.
Side Dishes
This dish really shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some simply steamed asparagus. Garlic-roasted broccoli or a side of lemony green beans makes for a colorful, veggie-packed spread that complements the bright, creamy orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table—family-style always encourages second helpings! If you want to impress guests, plate each salmon fillet over a generous bed of lemon orzo, then finish with those beautiful garnishes. You can even serve portions in individual bowls for a cozy, comforting touch. There’s no wrong way to present One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra? Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors deepen overnight, making One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo a delicious next-day lunch. Just be sure to cool everything completely before sealing it up.
Freezing
While the orzo and salmon both freeze, the texture of the orzo might change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze, store separated portions in airtight containers for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, covering the dish loosely and heating in 30-second bursts. This helps keep the salmon tender and the orzo creamy rather than dried out.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! Firm white fish like cod or halibut will work beautifully with the lemony orzo base. Just adjust cooking times as needed so the fish stays moist and flaky.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No orzo? No problem! Small pasta shapes like couscous or even rice-shaped pastina can step in. Cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly—check for tenderness as you go.
Can I make One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo dairy-free?
Yes, just use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip the Parmesan, or swap in your favorite plant-based cheese. The dish will still be vibrant and satisfying!
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in a big handful of baby spinach or peas right near the end of cooking—just before returning the salmon to the skillet. They’ll wilt into the orzo for extra color, nutrition, and freshness.
Is this One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! The flavors hold up well, and all the components reheat beautifully. Just be gentle when reheating to keep the salmon from overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special satisfaction in bringing a meal like One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo to the table—so bright, comforting, and completely doable any night of the week! Give it a try and see just how easy and rewarding one-pan dinners can be.
Print
One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and simple recipe for One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with flavorful lemon-infused orzo pasta. This dish is a complete meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon Orzo:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden.
- Cook Orzo: Sauté garlic and shallot, add orzo, broth, lemon, simmer until tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Add salmon back, cover until cooked through. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a pescatarian option.
- Consider adding spinach or peas for extra greens.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for a more vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
