One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Why Make This Recipe

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with the zesty essence of lemon-infused orzo. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a quick and easy meal that you can whip up on a busy weekday evening. This recipe is perfect for families or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one skillet to clean, it’s also a low-maintenance option that brings minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

The rich, tender salmon fillets complement the creamy, tangy orzo, making it a nourishing choice for both the palate and the body. Packed with iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and loads of vitamins from the spinach and spices, this dish is not just tasty, but healthy too! Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means you won’t have to hunt high and low in the grocery store.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Cooking this dish is straightforward and requires minimal prep work. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 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
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• Juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• Chili flakes (for serving)

Directions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves. It’s easier to have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
2. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them to sear beautifully without steaming. Once dry, season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon of the salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the Salmon: In a large nonstick pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and the butter is melted, add the seasoned salmon fillets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to develop a nice golden crust and be cooked through. When done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Cook the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. This way, you capture the flavors left behind by the salmon. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Toast the Orzo: Stir in the dried thyme and the remaining salt and black pepper. Next, add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast for about 1 minute. Toasting the orzo adds depth to its flavor.
6. Add the Chicken Broth: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until it is almost al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed—this should take around 8 minutes.
7. Incorporate Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until it wilts, about 2 minutes. After that, you can tuck in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan, mixing everything well. If the mixture seems too thick, feel free to add more chicken broth. Taste the orzo mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Return the Salmon: Return the seared salmon to the skillet and allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps to heat the salmon through without overcooking it.
9. Serve: Before serving, top your dish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy your delicious One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This dish is best served hot directly from the skillet. You can serve it as it is for a hearty meal, or let guests serve themselves to customize their portions. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with a light salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dinner that feels fancy yet relaxed.

How to Store One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, covered, in short increments but be careful not to overheat, as the salmon can become dry if cooked too long.

Tips to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare all your ingredients ahead of time. You can chop the onion and garlic, measure the spices, and season the salmon earlier in the day.
• Watch the Cooking Time: Salmon can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it while cooking. Ideally, you want it to be just cooked through and flaky.
• Adjust the Flavor: If you love more lemon flavor, simply add more lemon juice along with the zest when mixing in the spinach and Parmesan.

Variation

You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard, or add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or zucchini while cooking the onions. Using whole wheat or gluten-free orzo is another option for a healthier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or other gluten-free grains in many stores.

3. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can skip the Parmesan if you prefer a dairy-free option. You can also substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based dish.

Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is not only simple but incredibly satisfying. With vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy the cooking experience, and the tasty results on your plate!

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Print Recipe

A quick and easy dish that combines rich salmon with zesty lemon-infused orzo, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 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
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• Juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• Chili flakes (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the salmon: In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove from the skillet.
4. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
5. Toast the orzo: Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and black pepper, then add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast for about 1 minute.
6. Add the chicken broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost al dente (about 8 minutes).
7. Incorporate spinach and Parmesan: Stir in baby spinach and simmer until wilted (about 2 minutes). Add lemon juice and grated Parmesan, mixing well.
8. Return the salmon: Place the seared salmon back in the skillet and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
9. Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve hot directly from the skillet, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: salmon, orzo, one skillet meal, healthy recipe, quick dinner