Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a cozy, one-pan dinner made with golden-seared salmon, creamy lemon Parmesan orzo, and tender spinach. It’s bright, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh but satisfying.
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
Instructions
Prep ingredients: Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Season salmon: Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Sear salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick skillet. Add salmon and sear 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in thyme and remaining salt and pepper.
Toast orzo: Add dry orzo and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Finish orzo: Stir in spinach and cook 2 minutes until wilted. Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Add extra broth if needed for a creamier texture. Adjust seasoning.
Return salmon: Nestle salmon back into the skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Patting the salmon dry helps achieve a beautiful golden sear.
If the orzo becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it.
Fresh lemon zest can be added for extra brightness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg