Description
Bright, zesty, and utterly satisfying, this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a complete meal cooked all in one pan. Tender, flaky salmon sits atop creamy, lemony orzo, infused with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s a quick and elegant dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Lemon Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Extra parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon fillets skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon and set aside.
Cook the Orzo:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender (about 8-10 minutes).
Add Flavor:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo.
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and warm everything together for 1-2 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Broth Swap: You can use water if you don’t have broth on hand, but broth adds extra flavor.
Creamy Option: Add more heavy cream or a splash of milk for extra creaminess.
Herb Variations: Fresh dill or basil can be swapped in for parsley.
Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the orzo and salmon separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired