One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Need a fast dinner that feels fancy? This one skillet salmon with lemon orzo is perfect. Fresh, bright, and so easy.

You get tender salmon, creamy orzo, and a pop of lemon in every bite. All cooked in one pan. Less mess, more flavor.

Perfect for busy nights, date nights, or anytime you want something cozy and fresh. Simple steps. Big payoff.

Let’s grab a skillet and make it happen. A cozy, lemony dinner is just minutes away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Cook the whole dish in one skillet — easy prep, easy cleanup.
• Bright and Flavorful: Fresh lemon, herbs, and Parmesan make every bite feel light and comforting.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Ready in under an hour with minimal steps.
• Family Favorite: Mild flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead and enjoying for lunches.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 hearty portions. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night with leftovers.

Difficulty:
Simple enough for beginners, with a few extra touches that experienced cooks will appreciate.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large oven-safe skillet (12-inch preferred)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Citrus zester (optional but helpful)
• Grater for Parmesan

Ingredients for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this bright and cozy dish to life (exact measurements will be in the final recipe card):

• Salmon Fillets: Skinless or skin-on, your choice.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that builds a solid flavor foundation.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds warmth and color to the salmon.
• Garlic Powder: Layers in savory depth.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the salmon and cook the aromatics.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives the orzo a creamy finish.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and body to the base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that essential punch.
• Orzo Pasta: Acts like a risotto here, absorbing all the rich flavors.
• Dried Thyme: Adds an herby backbone.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Deepens the orzo’s flavor while keeping it moist.
• Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, brightens the entire dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory richness and creaminess.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For finishing.
• Chili Flakes: Optional, for a little heat at the table.

Variations for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in chopped dill, parsley, or basil for extra freshness.
• Use a Different Protein: This method works with chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu.
• Creamier Option: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half to make the orzo richer.
• More Veggies: Add peas, asparagus, or zucchini with the spinach for a greener dish.
• Lemon Lover’s Version: Add lemon zest along with the juice for a deeper citrus kick.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. This basic seasoning creates a flavorful crust once the fish hits the pan.

2. Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
Transfer the seared salmon to a plate. (It will finish cooking later.)

3. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.

4. Toast the Orzo

Pour the dry orzo into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes, allowing the orzo to toast lightly. This small step deepens the flavor and gives the orzo a subtle nutty taste.

5. Add Broth and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, then slowly pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender but still a little firm in the center.

6. Finish the Dish

Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the baby spinach. It will wilt quickly from the heat. Add the lemon juice and half the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the orzo. Cover again and cook for 5-7 more minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the orzo is creamy.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top. Season with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if you like a little heat. Serve straight from the skillet for a beautiful, rustic presentation.

Serving and Decoration

• Rustic Presentation: Bring the skillet directly to the table for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Fresh Garnish: Top with extra lemon slices or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Optional Side Dish: Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables if you want to stretch the meal further.

Storing One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo.
• Freezing: Not recommended — the texture of the orzo and spinach changes too much after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pat the Salmon Dry: Moisture prevents a good sear. A quick pat with paper towels makes all the difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon keeps cooking after you take it off the heat. Pull it out when it’s just opaque in the center.
• Stir the Orzo Occasionally: This prevents sticking and helps the pasta cook evenly.
• Taste as You Go: The lemon and Parmesan balance the richness — adjust to your liking before serving.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	510
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	8g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	420mg

(Nutrition will vary based on exact brands and ingredients used.)

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can work, but orzo gives the best creamy texture.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth or even water, though you may want to adjust the seasoning for extra flavor.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I know when salmon is done?

Salmon should easily flake with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

Conclusion

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the kind of cozy, easy meal you’ll want to make again and again. It brings the best of everything — flaky salmon, creamy pasta, and bright lemony flavor — all in one pan.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe makes it simple to serve something special without the stress.
Grab your skillet, squeeze that lemon, and let’s make dinner something to look forward to tonight. 🍋🐟