One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for hectic schedules.
• One-Pan Preparation: Minimal cleanup required, as everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Balanced Flavors: The zesty lemon juice brightens the creamy orzo, complementing the rich, pan-seared salmon.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the salmon and vitamins from the spinach, it’s a wholesome meal option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Onion, diced
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Fresh spinach
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Salmon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
4. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Toast the orzo for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and the liquid has reduced.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Let them warm through for about 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with additional black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4.
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other greens like kale or broccoli florets, or add green peas for extra texture and nutrition.
• Wine Infusion: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the aromatics for added depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the orzo.

FAQs

How can I tell when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw the frozen spinach and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

Is there a substitute for orzo pasta?

You can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even rice as alternatives.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make the dish dairy-free.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables would complement this meal well.

How can I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

Be sure to cook the orzo until just al dente and avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving.

What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh, skinless salmon fillets of uniform size ensure even cooking.

How do I add more lemon flavor?

Increase the amount of lemon juice or add some lemon zest for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice to make the dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Its quick cooking time and one-pan method make it a convenient choice for any meal. Enjoy the harmonious blend of zesty lemon, creamy orzo, and succulent salmon in every bite.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick, one-pan recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring pan-seared salmon, creamy lemon-infused orzo, and fresh spinach, this 30-minute dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

 

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Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Onion, diced
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Fresh spinach
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sweet paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry. Season with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Toast the Orzo: Stir in orzo, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Toast for 1 minute.
5. Simmer: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Stir in spinach until wilted. Add Parmesan and lemon juice, mixing until creamy.
7. Combine: Return salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Warm through for 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

• Substitute the salmon with shrimp or chicken for variation.
• Use gluten-free orzo or rice for a gluten-free option.
• Add more lemon juice or zest for enhanced citrus flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day and reheated with a splash of broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pan / Skillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean