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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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  • Author: Jake
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This one-skillet dish pairs tender, flaky salmon with bright and zesty lemon orzo. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, combining wholesome ingredients with minimal cleanup. The orzo absorbs the lemony broth, making it flavorful and creamy without any added cream.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon, skin side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add garlic, onion, and thyme, cooking until fragrant and the onion is softened (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, toasting lightly for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, water, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the spinach, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Serve: Return the salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Garnish with additional parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version (just replace salmon with roasted chickpeas or tofu).
  • For added richness, drizzle the salmon with melted butter before serving.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preferences for a tangier flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg