Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it offers a quick and easy way to prepare a flavorful and satisfying meal in just one skillet. The pan-seared salmon is perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, and when paired with the creamy lemon orzo, it creates the ideal balance of textures. The bright, zesty lemon cuts through the richness of the dish, while the Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful savory depth. Plus, it’s a fuss-free meal that’s perfect for both busy nights and more special occasions! One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Ingredients

4 skinless salmon fillets
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
5 ounces baby spinach
Juice from ½ lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Chili flakes, for serving

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the dried thyme, remaining salt, and pepper. Add the orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
Serve topped with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: I can substitute the salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different twist.
Vegetable Add-ins: If I prefer a different vegetable, I can use broccoli florets, kale, or green peas instead of spinach.
Wine Infusion: I could add a splash of dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, which would elevate the flavors of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Freezing: If I want to keep it longer, I can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm it on the stove, adding a little broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?

I can definitely use skin-on fillets! If I do, I would adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the skin becomes crispy and the fish is cooked through.

Is it necessary to use low-sodium chicken broth?

Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content of the dish. However, if I don’t have it, regular chicken broth will work, and I can adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, I could prepare the orzo and salmon separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the optimal texture.

What can I serve as a side dish?

A simple leafy salad would pair wonderfully with this dish, offering a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon and orzo.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

If orzo isn’t available, I could substitute it with another small pasta shape, such as ditalini or small shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is a great go-to meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s a perfect balance of savory salmon, creamy orzo, and the bright kick of lemon. Plus, the one-skillet method means minimal cleanup, making it a convenient option for any weeknight dinner. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for guests, it’s a dish I know I’ll return to time and time again.