One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the kind of dish you make once and instantly know you’ll be coming back for again and again. It’s a vibrant, simple-to-prepare meal where flaky seared salmon, silky orzo pasta, and lush greens all come together in one pan—a serious weeknight winner! The flavor punch of fresh lemon, a touch of Parmesan, and a hint of chili means every forkful is bright, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or want to impress a guest, this effortless skillet dish is guaranteed to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things fuss-free by using a handful of staple ingredients that each brings something essential to the table. Every component of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo adds its own touch—whether it’s color, flavor, or irresistible texture.

Salmon fillets: The star of the show—use skinless for easy eating, and pat them dry so you get that perfect sear.
Salt: Divided for seasoning fish and the orzo to bring out every flavor.
Coarsely ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and aroma—save extra for serving.
Sweet paprika: For a mild smoky taste and gorgeous color on the salmon.
Garlic powder: Lends subtle garlicky depth to the seasoned fillets.
Olive oil: Your trusty base for sautéing and searing everything to perfection.
Unsalted butter: Rounds out the olive oil and promotes rich browning flavors.
Yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and helps build the savory base.
Fresh garlic cloves, minced: Elevates the aroma and infuses the orzo with classic Italian flavor.
Dry orzo pasta: The one-pan wonder—like rice but silkier, soaking up all those pan juices.
Dried thyme: For subtle herby notes that complement both fish and creamy pasta.
Low sodium chicken broth: Rich in flavor without overpowering the delicate salmon.
Baby spinach: Quick-cooking, nutrient-packed greens for a pop of color and freshness.
Juice from half a lemon: Brings acidity and a welcome brightness that sings through the dish.
Grated Parmesan: Adds creamy, cheesy magic that helps marry everything together.
Freshly ground black pepper (for serving): The final flourish to make flavors pop.
Chili flakes (for serving): For a gentle kick if you like things spicy.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start strong by grating the Parmesan, finely chopping your onion, and mincing the garlic. Give the salmon fillets a quick pat with paper towels—this dries the surface so you get a perfect crust. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, plus half the salt and pepper. Having your ingredients ready means you can sail through the cooking process with ease!

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter together in a large nonstick skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering and fragrant, gently lay in the seasoned salmon fillets. Sear them undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side, so they develop a beautiful golden crust. Once done, carefully transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside—you’ll return it to the pan later for a finishing flourish.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium, then toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes or just until the onion turns soft, sweet, and translucent and your kitchen smells incredible. Add dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper for a new layer of flavor. This is the backbone of your orzo!

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Stir the uncooked orzo into your fragrant mixture and let it toast for about a minute, stirring often. This tiny step locks in flavor and gives your orzo a lovely nutty taste. You want the grains glistening and just starting to turn golden.

Step 5: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and crank the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce to medium-low—enough to maintain a steady simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 8 minutes, your orzo should be almost al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. If it looks a little dry, splash in a bit more broth.

Step 6: Add Greens and Finish the Sauce

Now pile in the baby spinach. Stir it through and let it wilt into the orzo for about 2 minutes. Then, squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Give everything a good stir until creamy and silky, and check if you’d like more broth for a looser sauce. Taste, and adjust salt if needed.

Step 7: Bring Everything Together

Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back on top of the orzo. Let them simmer together for 2–3 minutes, just until the fish is heated through and ready to flake at the touch of a fork. One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is now gloriously ready for the table!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan, a little more freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes right before serving. If you want to impress, top each salmon fillet with a fresh lemon slice or a scatter of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Side Dishes

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, some roasted broccoli, or a vibrant bowl of sliced cherry tomatoes. Fresh, citrusy white wine is always a welcome addition too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve directly from the skillet for that rustic, family-style look—or plate the orzo and greens first, then top each serving with a perfectly seared salmon fillet. You can also spoon leftover orzo into lettuce cups as a fresh, summery starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, simply let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days; it reheats beautifully for lunch or a speedy dinner the next day.

Freezing

The salmon holds up well in the freezer, but the orzo can lose some of its creamy texture after thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, store the salmon and orzo separately in double-sealed containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To revive One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, reheat gently in a nonstick pan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving the salmon for too long, as it might dry out; give it just enough time to warm through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and searing for the best results—the drier the surface, the more gorgeous the crust.

What if I don’t have orzo?

You can swap in small pasta shapes like ditalini or even use rice in a pinch, although the texture and cooking time will change a bit. Orzo is best for soaking up the saucy goodness, though!

Can I make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo dairy-free?

Yes—simply omit the butter and use more olive oil, and skip the Parmesan or swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese. The bright lemon and tender greens will keep the dish tasting amazing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo includes wheat-based orzo pasta. To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free orzo or small pasta; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Could I add other vegetables?

You can definitely toss in extras like peas, diced zucchini, or asparagus tips with the spinach for even more color and veggie goodness. Adjust cooking times as needed so everything stays crisp-tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a meal that brings so much comfort with so little fuss—especially when it happens in one pan! Give One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo a try and you’ll see how quickly it disappears at the table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and truly a dish you’ll look forward to making again.