One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that comes together in a snap, then let me introduce you to my favorite One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. This dish is a real winner for busy weeknights or even intimate family gatherings. The bright flavors of lemon and the creamy richness of Parmesan blend perfectly with tender salmon and nutritious spinach, making it not only delicious but also a well-rounded meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze?

What truly makes this recipe special is how quickly it comes together—just 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for those evenings when time is tight, but you still want to serve something special that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
• One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required! Cook everything in one skillet for easier cooking and less mess.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the salmon and loaded with vitamins from spinach, this meal is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy orzo and flavorful salmon, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo are simple and wholesome. Most of them are probably already in your pantry! Here’s what you need:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own. Here are some ideas to change things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast or shrimp instead of salmon for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños if your family enjoys a bit of heat.
• Switch the cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, it’s important to prep everything first. Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Patting the salmon fillets dry ensures they sear beautifully. Seasoning them with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper gives them extra flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned salmon fillets. Searing them for about 3–4 minutes on each side locks in moisture while creating that golden crust we all love. Once cooked through, remove them from the skillet—don’t worry; they’ll go back in later!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and toss in your chopped onion along with minced garlic. Cooking these until soft releases their natural sweetness and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma—trust me; this step sets up amazing flavor for your orzo.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Now it’s time to add dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir in your dry orzo pasta next; toasting it for just a minute enhances its nutty flavor before adding liquid.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat so it simmers gently. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking while waiting about 8 minutes until most of the liquid absorbs and the orzo is almost al dente.

Step 6: Add Spinach & Creaminess

Toss in fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted—this only takes around two minutes! Now squeeze half a lemon’s juice over everything along with grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess. If needed, feel free to adjust seasoning by adding more broth or salt.

Step 7: Finish Cooking Salmon

Return your seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Let them simmer gently for another couple of minutes until heated through again—this step allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, finish off with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if desired. Serve warm straight from the skillet—you’ll be surprised how quickly this becomes a family favorite!

Enjoy your delightful One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo!

Pro Tips for Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Cooking can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to elevate your dish and make it even more delightful!

• Pat the salmon dry: Ensuring the salmon fillets are dry before seasoning helps achieve a beautiful golden crust when searing, enhancing both flavor and texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a vibrant zing that elevates the flavors of the dish compared to bottled varieties, making every bite refreshing.
• Stir gently but frequently: Stirring the orzo occasionally while it cooks prevents sticking and ensures even cooking, giving you that perfect creamy consistency.
• Taste as you go: Adjusting the seasoning during cooking lets you personalize the flavors to your liking, ensuring the dish perfectly suits your palate.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the skillet to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together better, making for an even more delicious final dish.

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Presentation is key! This vibrant dish not only tastes amazing but looks stunning on your dinner table. Here are some ideas to serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the salmon and orzo.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to add an extra splash of citrus to their plate, enhancing those bright lemony flavors.
• Cracked black pepper: A generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper not only adds flavor but also gives your dish an appealing finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Roasted asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy orzo while adding a pop of green to your plate.
• Garlic bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and provides a comforting addition that everyone loves.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of your main dish and adds freshness to the meal.
• Steamed broccoli: Tender steamed broccoli is nutritious and colorful, making it an excellent complement that brings additional texture and health benefits.

Enjoy crafting your wonderful presentation of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo! Each element will not only enhance the eating experience but also make sharing this meal with loved ones even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dinner throughout the week. With just a few simple steps, you can store leftovers or even prepare some components in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion out the salmon and orzo separately into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish to reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the orzo and salmon separately in advance. Store them in airtight containers and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

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

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you could pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color.

How do I adjust the flavors in One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo?

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices! Dill, parsley, or even capers can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?

Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo will work perfectly and adds extra fiber to your meal without compromising taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo a try! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors that’s not only easy to prepare but also comforting and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making it as much as I do—happy cooking!

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