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One skillet salmon with lemon orzo | A fuss-free meal that’s quick and easy to make. And it’s definitely a winner for busy nights! Pan-seared salmon and orzo cooked together with spinach and Parmesan for a complete meal. With just a few steps, you’ll have a fantastic all-in-one dinner that everyone at your table will love!
If you’re looking for more one skillet dinners, have a look at my One Skillet Parmesan Chicken and Orzo, Salmon with Artichoke Orzo or maybe this Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage.
Why you’ll love this salmon with lemon orzo recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this salmon and lemon orzo dish! When there’s smooth orzo, tender spinach and Parmesan cheese involved, you know it will feel like a hug in a bowl. The lemon juice adds a zesty kick that makes it extra special.
This one-pan wonder is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a hearty family meal during the weekend. It’s even fancy enough to impress your friends at a dinner party. And guess what? It’s light, leaving plenty of room for dessert. Ready in just 30 minutes – easy and delicious!
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO or follow along on YouTube.
How to make salmon with lemon orzo
This one-pot wonder is a breeze to make and saves you from a pile of dishes to wash! The secret to its smoothness lies in cooking the orzo like risotto, minus the constant stirring. This creates a glossy texture by blending starch with broth.
Here’s the simple breakdown: we start by searing the salmon before cooking the orzo in the same pot. Add spinach, Parmesan and lemon juice to the orzo towards the end. As the flavors meld, the aroma from the salmon takes this dinner to the next level. When the orzo is done, return the salmon to the skillet, and you’re good to go!
There’s really no way to go wrong with this one! So, grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself to a mouthwatering experience!
Ingredients for the salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Use salmon fillets of the same size and thickness so they can cook evenly. If you want to use skin-on salmon, no problem!
- Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: By mixing those together, you can increase the smoke point and the flavor.
- Seasoning: A blend of salt, black pepper, sweet paprika and garlic powder, they complement the salmon deliciously.
Ingredients for the lemon orzo
- Garlic and Onion: Aromatics to lift up the flavor.
- Orzo: It will add a silky texture to this dish, which you’ll won’t get with any other pasta. But if you can’t find it, try to go for a pasta variety that’s as small as possible.
- Spinach: For a hit of green.
- Chicken Broth: You can also use vegetable broth.
- Parmesan: Best when freshly grated so your sauce isn’t grainy.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper and dried thyme.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing zest, elevating the overall flavor.
Helpful recipe tips
- Try this one skillet orzo with shrimp or chicken instead of salmon.
- Pair with a big leafy side salad.
- Not a fan of spinach? Pair the orzo with broccoli florets, kale or green peas.
- Add a splash of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet.
How to store leftovers salmon with orzo
- Fridge: Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Freezer: Leftoverscan also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking video
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Anna Chwistek
A fuss-free meal with pan-seared salmon and lemony orzo cooked together with spinach and Parmesan for a quick and easy dinner. A winner for busy nights— this all-in-one dish is sure to be loved by everyone at your table!
4.67 from 87 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
CourseMain Course
CuisineEuropean
Servings 4
Calories 391 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt divided
- 1 tsp 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 servng
- chili flakes for serving
Instructions
Get your prep done before you start cooking: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Heat oil and butter over medium high in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 43gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 959mgPotassium: 1285mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3790IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 193mgIron: 3mg
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