Name: One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

Cooking can often feel like a chore, especially after a long day at work. However, I’ve found that there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a quick, wholesome meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare—like this one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo. This dish not only packs a punch with its zesty flavors but also requires minimal cleanup, which is a major win in my book. Plus, it’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is a feast for the senses. It highlights the tenderness of perfectly seared salmon and the comforting creaminess of orzo, all while bursting with flavors from garlic, onion, and just a hint of lemon. This dish is special not only for its taste but also for its convenience.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will shine. It’s quick enough for a busy weekday but sophisticated enough to impress guests at a weekend gathering. The fact that everything cooks in one pan means you can enjoy your meal without dreading a sink full of dishes afterward.

“This dish was a hit! My kids loved the salmon, and the orzo was creamy and delicious. We’ll be making this again!” – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to get started? Cooking this one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is straightforward and fun. Here’s what you can expect:

You’ll begin by prepping your ingredients—chopping onions, mincing garlic, and seasoning the salmon.
Searing the salmon in olive oil and butter creates a delightful crust.
After removing the salmon, you’ll cook the aromatics and orzo before simmering them with chicken broth.
The process finishes beautifully with added spinach and Parmesan, creating a rich, savory dish that’s ready in no time.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is simple! Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for this delicious dish:

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)

Feel free to swap out the spinach for another green or use a different type of cheese!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you have everything, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to prepare your one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo:

Prep: Grate the Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon dry and season all sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half the salt and pepper.
Sear the Salmon: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the salmon and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes).
Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it’s wilted (about 2 minutes). Add lemon juice and Parmesan, and mix well. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth.
Return the Salmon: Gently place the salmon back in the skillet and warm it through for another 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy your one-skillet wonder!

Best Way to Serve

This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is a showstopper on its own but can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions:

Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a colorful plate.
A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), here’s how to keep your dish fresh:

Refrigerate: Store your one-skillet salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the skillet on low, adding a splash of broth to prevent sticking, or microwave until just heated through.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked orzo (without salmon) in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before adding the salmon back.

Expert Advice

To enhance the flavors of your dish, consider these pro chef tips:

Let the salmon come to room temperature before cooking for an even sear.
Use homemade chicken broth if available—it deepens the flavor profile.
Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens and balances the dish perfectly.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you might enjoy exploring:

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing onions.
Try substituting the orzo with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Add capers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor complexity.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this dish?

The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick option for weeknight dinners.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking results.

Is it safe to reheat this dish?

Absolutely! Just remember to reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F if reheating salmon leftovers.

With this recipe, you’ll not only master the art of cooking salmon and orzo but also enjoy a delightful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.