One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, then I have just the recipe for you—One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo! This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. Imagine perfectly pan-seared salmon resting on a bed of creamy lemon orzo, accompanied by fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful dinner that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over.

What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s all made in one skillet. That means less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy clean-up: With everything cooked in one skillet, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Family-friendly: This dish combines flavors that kids and adults alike will appreciate—who doesn’t love salmon and pasta?
• Quick preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when time is tight.
• Wholesome ingredients: Packed with nutritious salmon and fresh spinach, you can feel good about serving this meal.
• Versatile flavors: The zesty lemon and creamy Parmesan create a delightful combination that elevates the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. You probably have most of these already in your pantry!

For the Salmon

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Orzo

• 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

For the Finish

• 5 ounces baby spinach
• juice from ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• chili flakes (for serving)

Variations

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is super versatile! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of salmon, try using chicken breast or shrimp for a different take on this dish.
• Add some veggies: Toss in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan to keep it creamy without dairy.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper or your favorite hot sauce to give this dish an extra kick!

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

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 and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. This step ensures that your salmon has great flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Removing them from the skillet before adding other ingredients allows them to stay juicy while you finish cooking everything else.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium, then add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until they are soft and fragrant—this should take about 2 minutes. Sautéing these aromatics enhances their sweetness and brings depth of flavor to your dish.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Stir in thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper before adding in your dry orzo pasta. Toasting the orzo for just one minute gives it a nutty flavor that really complements the rest of this meal.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low so you can maintain a simmer while stirring occasionally—this prevents sticking! Cook for about 8 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed but still slightly al dente.

Step 6: Add Spinach & Flavorings

Add in baby spinach next; stir until wilted for about 2 minutes. Then stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese—this creates that creamy texture we love! If needed, add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjust salt if necessary!

Step 7: Return Salmon & Serve

Finally, return your perfectly cooked salmon back into the skillet. Simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Top each serving with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal!

Pro Tips for Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Cooking can be a breeze when you have a few insider tips up your sleeve; here are some to elevate your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo!

• Prep Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process smoother and faster, allowing you to enjoy the meal rather than stressing in the kitchen.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and lemon juice will enhance the flavors significantly, giving your dish that vibrant, refreshing taste. Plus, fresh ingredients often come packed with more nutrients!
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through and slightly flaky; this keeps it tender and moist. Remember, it will continue cooking even after you remove it from the heat!
• Adjust Consistency: If the orzo absorbs too much liquid during cooking, adding a little extra broth can help achieve a creamy consistency without losing flavor.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like dill or parsley if you want to mix things up! It’s a fun way to customize the dish to your tastes.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Presenting this delicious dish can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to make your meal look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Lemon Wedges: A few wedges of fresh lemon not only look appealing but also allow guests to squeeze on more citrus for that extra zing.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling some chopped parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Asparagus: This simple side complements the salmon beautifully, as its crispness balances the creaminess of the orzo.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad filled with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives provides a lovely contrast in texture and flavor while being light and healthy.
• Steamed Broccoli: A classic pairing that’s easy to prepare. Its bright green color adds vibrancy to your plate while offering additional nutrients.
• Couscous with Vegetables: Fluffy couscous tossed with seasonal veggies creates a wonderful side that meshes well with the lemony flavors of your main dish.

By incorporating these garnishes and sides, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere around your table that everyone will enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for busy nights or even enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover salmon and orzo in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep the flavors fresh, consider separating the salmon from the orzo if possible.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to retain moisture.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish and reheat in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use different types of fish instead of salmon in One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo?

Absolutely! While salmon is a fantastic choice for its rich flavor, you can substitute it with other firm white fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

What makes One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo so quick to prepare?

This recipe is designed to be a one-pan meal, meaning everything cooks together efficiently. The combination of searing salmon while simultaneously cooking orzo saves time and reduces cleanup!

How do I make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo healthier?

You can easily add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase fiber and nutrients. Additionally, using whole wheat orzo is another great way to make this dish even healthier!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo as delightful as I do! It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy making it, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!