When life gets busy, but you still crave something homemade and satisfying, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is your answer. This dish became an instant hit in my kitchen after I first tried it on a weeknight when I was short on time but wanted something restaurant-worthy. With juicy pan-seared salmon, zesty lemon orzo, tender spinach, and Parmesan, it’s a no-fuss meal that delivers big on flavor—without piling up the dishes.
Why You’ll Love This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet.
- Balanced & nourishing: Protein-rich salmon, fiber-packed spinach, and creamy orzo.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the buttery orzo and flaky salmon.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this perfect one-pan meal (serves 4):
- 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
- 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 oz baby spinach
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- Chili flakes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick skillet.
- Add salmon, sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Orzo Base
- Reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in thyme, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, until orzo is almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add spinach; stir until wilted (~2 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add extra broth if needed for a creamy texture. Taste and adjust salt.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and simmer 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for a little heat.
- Serve hot and savor every bite!
Tips for the Best One Skillet Salmon
✅ Use skinless salmon for easier searing and flakier bites.
✅ Add broth gradually if orzo gets too thick.
✅ Swap in kale or arugula if you don’t have spinach on hand.
✅ Love extra lemon? Add lemon zest with the juice for even more brightness.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
- Avoid freezing: Orzo can become mushy when thawed.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
- Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Final Thoughts
This one skillet salmon with lemon orzo is proof that a restaurant-quality dinner can happen in just 30 minutes at home. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free—perfect for busy weeknights when you want to impress without the stress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation!
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 oz baby spinach
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper for serving
- Chili flakes for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick skillet.
- Add salmon, sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Orzo Base
- Reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in thyme, remaining salt, and pepper.
- Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, until orzo is almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add spinach; stir until wilted (~2 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add extra broth if needed for a creamy texture. Taste and adjust salt.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and simmer 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for a little heat.
- Serve hot and savor every bite!
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