Imagine the thrill of a gourmet meal pulled together in no time, with just one pan and a handful of clever ingredients. That’s exactly what you get with One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. This dish is bright, flavorful, and impressive enough for a dinner party, yet it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Creamy lemon orzo, succulent salmon, tender greens—each bite is layered with color and fresh flavor. Get ready to make a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen!

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build incredible flavor and a satisfying plate with minimal fuss. This is a case where simple truly shines, as each component adds something unique to the final dish.

Salmon fillets: The star of the show, these cook up juicy and tender with a beautiful golden sear.
Salt: Essential for seasoning; draws out flavor from every ingredient.
Coarsely ground black pepper: Adds brightness and subtle kick—you’ll use a bit for both the orzo and the salmon itself.
Sweet paprika: Gives the salmon a rosy hue and a gentle, smoky flavor.
Garlic powder: For an extra layer of savory, earthy flavor that clings to the salmon as it sears.
Olive oil: Helps develop that golden crust on the salmon and anchors the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Brings a silky texture and rich taste to the pan.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for a subtle, aromatic base.
Garlic cloves: Minced—these bloom in the pan and give the whole dish a deep flavor.
Dry orzo pasta: The perfect pasta for soaking up lemony broth and forming a creamy bed under the salmon.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous undertone that brightens up the whole skillet.
Low sodium chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with flavor without making the dish too salty.
Baby spinach: Wilts down beautifully, adding color, nutrition, and a fresh note.
Lemon juice: Infuses zingy brightness and balances out the creamy orzo.
Grated Parmesan: Melts right in for richness and classic umami.
Freshly ground black pepper (for serving): A final sprinkle to wake up all the flavors at the end.
Chili flakes (for serving): Optional, but recommended for a pop of heat!

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you get cooking, knock out your prep: Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the yellow onion, and mince your garlic cloves. Pat each piece of salmon dry with paper towels—this will help achieve a perfect sear. Then, season the salmon fillets on both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of your salt and pepper. This will infuse each piece with flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat a splash of olive oil and a small dab of butter in your biggest nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot and the butter foams, gently nestle the salmon fillets in (presentation side down). Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and just barely cooked through. Remove the salmon and set it aside—don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet, it’ll finish later with the orzo.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Dial down the heat to medium. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and stir until the onion is softened and everything smells mouthwatering—about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper so your flavors build in layers.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pan and stir for about a minute. This quick toasting step is a secret trick for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo: it brings out the nutty flavor in the pasta and gives the whole dish more depth.

Step 5: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low so it maintains a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. By the end, the orzo should be nearly al dente and most of the broth absorbed—stir often to keep the pasta from sticking.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach and Finish the Orzo

Add all the baby spinach and give it a good stir until it wilts right in, which takes about 2 minutes. Next, mix in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan—these give One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo its creamy, tangy kick. If your orzo looks too tight, splash in a bit more broth. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Step 7: Return and Finish the Salmon

Cuddle the salmon fillets back into the skillet. Let them simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes so they finish cooking and heat through, soaking up some of that creamy orzo goodness along the way.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Scatter the finished dish with lots of freshly ground black pepper and those optional chili flakes for a touch of excitement. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

Bring your skillet straight to the table with a flourish of fresh black pepper, a hint of chili flakes, and maybe a few extra lemon wedges on the side. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts, either—watch it melt into the warm orzo for a mouthwatering finish.

Side Dishes

Honestly, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a complete meal all by itself, but if you want something alongside, go for a crisp green salad, some blistered asparagus, or crusty bread to mop up every creamy, lemony bite. A glass of chilled white wine wouldn’t go amiss, either!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving company, spoon the orzo onto a large platter, nestle the salmon on top, and scatter plenty of lemon zest and fresh herbs for a dramatic touch. For individual plates, use a shallow bowl and swirl the orzo before topping with salmon to show off those beautiful colors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish holds up beautifully for 2–3 days, keeping the salmon moist and the orzo creamy.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, the texture of both the salmon and the orzo is better when fresh. If you do freeze it, wrap portions well and use within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra broth or water to loosen up the orzo and keep the salmon from drying out. Microwave works too (just cover to lock in moisture), but a slow reheat on the stove is best for keeping the fish tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish in One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo?

Absolutely! While salmon brings a rich, buttery texture, you can substitute trout, cod, or even shrimp—just adjust cooking times as needed to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have orzo on hand?

You can substitute with another small pasta like pearl couscous or even Arborio rice. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the texture and add extra broth as needed.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, skip the butter and Parmesan. Stir in a little extra olive oil for richness and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch.

Is it possible to make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free orzo alternative or a small gluten-free pasta shape, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Follow the same steps for a delicious result.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Go for it! Toss in halved cherry tomatoes with the spinach, or stir in peas, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts during the simmering step for extra color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

You absolutely have to try One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo—it’s easy, elegant, and so satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family on a cozy night in or hoping to wow your friends, this dish always impresses. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite at your table!