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–+ servings
Benjamin

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Orzo is a quick delight.

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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Prepare the Salmon:
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. 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:
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender (about 8-10 minutes).
Add Flavor:
  1. 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:
  1. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo.
  2. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and warm everything together for 1-2 minutes.
Serve:
  1. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
  2. 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.

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