This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a simple yet elegant dinner option that combines perfectly seared salmon and a flavorful, tangy lemon orzo. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but feels special enough for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Once the skillet is hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add a bit more broth or water if needed to prevent the orzo from sticking.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and let them rest on top of the orzo for a couple of minutes to warm through.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add Vegetables: If I want to incorporate more vegetables, I sometimes add spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes into the orzo for extra color and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, I can swap the orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Herb Variations: I love experimenting with different herbs. I can add basil, thyme, or dill to the orzo for a slightly different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I recommend warming the orzo and salmon in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this dish without salmon?
Yes, I can substitute the salmon with another fish like tilapia, cod, or trout. If I prefer a vegetarian option, I can use tofu or roasted chickpeas instead.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
To prevent the orzo from sticking, I make sure to stir it occasionally while it cooks and add enough liquid to keep it moist. If needed, I add a little extra broth or water.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Frozen salmon fillets work well too. I just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, so they cook evenly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I can use other types of pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli if orzo isn’t available. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape, so I’ll need to adjust accordingly.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. For a more filling meal, I might serve it with a slice of crusty bread.
Conclusion
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. With just a few ingredients, I can create a satisfying dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Whether I’m looking for a light weeknight dinner or a more special meal, this recipe always delivers the right balance of freshness and comfort.
Recipe:
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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple yet elegant dinner combining perfectly seared salmon with flavorful lemon orzo. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zest and juice
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add a bit more broth or water if needed to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and let them rest on top of the orzo for a couple of minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the orzo and salmon in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Vegetable Option: Add spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes into the orzo for extra color and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or rice as a substitute for orzo.
Herb Variations: Experiment with basil, thyme, or dill for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
