If you are looking for a vibrant, cozy, and simply delicious dinner idea, the One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender, flaky salmon with bright lemony notes, creamy Parmesan-enriched orzo, and fresh baby spinach all cooked effortlessly in one pan, this dish is as quick to make as it is impressive to serve. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients that create a harmony of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic herbs to the tangy lemon juice, each component turns this dish into a complete meal that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
- 4 skinless salmon fillets: The star protein, tender and rich, perfect for quick searing.
- 1 tsp salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning both salmon and orzo perfectly.
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided: Adds a subtle heat and balances the brightness from the lemon.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and a warm color to the salmon.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a hint of savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for a crisp sear and silky mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors in the orzo.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Offers a sweet and aromatic base for the orzo to soak up.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Elevates the dish with fresh, pungent garlicky notes.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta: This tender, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up all those luscious flavors.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Herbs brighten and add a garden-fresh quality to the meal.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth: The liquid that cooks the orzo and infuses it with savory goodness.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutritious greens, wilting perfectly into the orzo.
- Juice from ½ lemon: Brings essential fresh citrus notes that brighten the entire dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Creamy, salty, and nutty—completes the flavors beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving: A final touch of peppery zing on top.
- Chili flakes, for serving: Optional, to add a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half of the salt and pepper. These simple spices ensure the fish is flavorful without masking its natural richness. Heat the olive oil in your skillet and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden crust. Then, set the salmon aside while you prepare the orzo base.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Orzo
In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Let them cook until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, creating a wonderful flavor foundation. Sprinkle in the dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper. Next, stir in the orzo, toasting it until it starts to look golden. This step enhances the nuttiness of the pasta and ensures a richer taste.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the orzo cook until it’s almost tender, which takes about 8 minutes. This slow cooking allows the pasta to soak up the broth’s savory notes, transforming it into a creamy and flavorful bed for your salmon.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan
Once the orzo is nearly done, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts down, along with the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan. These final ingredients create a perfect balance of creaminess, freshness, and savory tang. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed before moving to the last cooking phase.
Step 5: Return the Salmon to the Skillet
Nestle the salmon fillets back into the orzo and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to heat through. This step allows the flavors to meld and ensures the salmon remains moist and tender.
How to Serve One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes make a lovely finishing touch that brightens up the dish and adds a gentle heat. If you have fresh parsley or basil around, finely chopped herbs would make a colorful and fragrant garnish as well.
Side Dishes
While this is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it alongside a simple crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for additional texture and nutrients. A side of warm crusty bread also pairs wonderfully to soak up any leftover lemony, cheesy orzo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe in individual bowls, layering the orzo first and gently placing the salmon on top. Drizzle a little extra lemon juice or olive oil for freshness and sheen. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a bit more zing to their taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers without the spinach for up to one month. Spinach tends to lose texture when frozen, so add fresh greens when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if needed. Avoid microwaving on high to keep the salmon moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! While salmon’s richness complements the lemon and Parmesan perfectly, you can substitute with cod, trout, or even halibut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner fish may cook faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. Also, replace butter with extra olive oil to maintain richness.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works wonderfully in this recipe and is a perfect alternative for vegetarians or those avoiding chicken broth, with an equally savory result.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon and use enough oil. Avoid moving the salmon too soon once it’s in the pan; let it sear and naturally release when ready to flip.
What side salad pairs best with this dish?
A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette featuring lemon or balsamic complements the bright freshness of the salmon and orzo beautifully without overpowering flavors.
Final Thoughts
There truly is nothing quite like the comforting blend of tender salmon, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan orzo cooked all in one pan. The One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners when you want something impressive yet effortlessly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and you just might find yourself reaching for it again and again — it’s that good!
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One Skillet Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned and seared, then combined with a creamy, lemony orzo pasta cooked in a single skillet. Spinach and Parmesan add vibrant color and richness, making this dish both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
Orzo and Vegetables
- 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 cheese
For Serving
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets evenly with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This creates a flavorful crust that enhances the fish during searing.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are nearly cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, using the remaining oil and butter to prevent sticking.
- Toast the Orzo and Add Broth: Stir in dried thyme, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for about a minute, stirring frequently. Pour in 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Orzo: Let the orzo cook, uncovered, until it is nearly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, approximately 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Spinach and Finish Sauce: Mix in the baby spinach, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Salmon and Orzo: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat the salmon through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over the dish before serving for an extra kick and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish pescatarian friendly.
- For a richer flavor, use Parmesan rind while simmering the orzo, removing it before serving.
- If you prefer crispy salmon skin, leave the skin on and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference or omit for milder taste.
- Orzo is best cooked al dente since it will continue to absorb flavors while the salmon reheats.
