One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels special, you’ve landed in the right spot! One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is one of those recipes that not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes your kitchen smell divine. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome on the table without spending hours cooking. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

What I love most about this recipe is how everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The zesty lemon and creamy orzo complement the salmon perfectly, creating a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will adore. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish fits the occasion beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal ready to serve.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy more time with loved ones after dinner.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan elevates the dish beyond ordinary.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty and nutritious meal.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients for this scrumptious dish. They’re simple, wholesome, and most importantly, easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salmon

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp unsalted butter

For the Orzo and Spinach

• 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

For Serving

• freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
• chili flakes (for serving)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: If salmon isn’t your thing, try using chicken breast or shrimp for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some cayenne pepper for a kick!
• Change the cheese: For a different flavor profile, swap out Parmesan for feta or goat cheese.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Get your prep done before you start cooking—it makes the process much smoother! Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop your onion, and mince those garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. This step builds flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in your seasoned salmon fillets. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they have that lovely golden brown color. This step locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and toss in your chopped onion along with minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, which should take around 2 minutes. Stirring in thyme at this point enhances its earthy flavor. Adding these aromatics first lays down a flavorful base for your dish.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Next up is adding your dry orzo to the skillet! Toast it gently for about a minute; this helps bring out its nutty flavor. Now pour in the chicken broth while bringing everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low to keep it simmering as it cooks uncovered.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach & Flavor Boosters

After about 8 minutes—when most of that broth has been absorbed—you’ll want to add in fresh baby spinach. Stir until it wilts down nicely—this usually takes just around 2 minutes! Then squeeze in that fresh lemon juice along with grated Parmesan cheese. Give it all a good stir; if it seems too thick, feel free to add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Return Salmon to Skillet

It’s time to bring back our gorgeous salmon! Nestle those fillets back into the skillet and let them simmer with everything for another 2-3 minutes until heated through fully. This really allows those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over your delightful creation before serving. Enjoy every bite of this easy yet elegant meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Cooking can be a breeze, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some expert suggestions to make your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo even better.

• Prep in Advance: Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking saves time and allows you to enjoy the process. Chop your veggies and measure out your spices so everything is ready to go when you need it.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and high-quality salmon. Freshness can significantly enhance the flavors of your dish, making each bite more vibrant.
• Adjust the Liquid: If you prefer a creamier orzo, don’t hesitate to add a little extra broth or water while cooking. This will create a luscious texture that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch up the herbs or add a splash of lemon zest for an extra punch of flavor. It’s always fun to personalize recipes based on what you love!
• Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices and ensures every bite is perfectly moist.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Serving this delightful dish can be as fun as preparing it! Here are some ideas on how to present your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze additional citrus juice over their portions, enhancing the dish’s brightness.
• Grated Parmesan: Offering extra grated Parmesan at the table lets guests customize their meal according to their taste preferences.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Asparagus: This crisp and tender vegetable pairs wonderfully with salmon and adds a lovely green color to your plate. Simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until golden.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover lemony sauce from the skillet. It’s an easy addition that everyone will enjoy!
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the salmon and orzo, offering freshness in every bite.
• Steamed Broccoli: Broccoli is not only nutritious but also adds a nice crunch alongside the soft orzo. Lightly steam it with a touch of salt for an easy yet delicious side.

These serving suggestions will elevate your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo experience, making it not just a meal but a delightful dining occasion! Enjoy making this comforting dish part of your regular dinner rotation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy those delicious flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salmon and orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze leftovers, portion them into airtight freezer-safe containers.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.
• Add a splash of broth or water if the orzo seems dry after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use whole wheat orzo for this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo?

Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a great option and adds extra fiber. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from regular orzo.

What should I serve with One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo?

This dish is a complete meal on its own! However, you could pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or even freeze portions for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo as much as I do! It’s a delightful combination of flavors that brings comfort and ease to busy nights. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’m excited to hear how it turns out for you!