why make this recipe
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a delicious and easy dish that brings together the richness of salmon with the bright flavors of lemon. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it cooks all in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The creamy orzo pasta pairs perfectly with the fish, creating a wholesome meal that feels special but is quick to prepare.
how to make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Directions:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat in the butter and garlic. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Stir in the baby spinach until wilted, then mix in Parmesan cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them over the lemon orzo. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, zesty, and wholesome dish!
how to serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Serve the salmon fillets over a bed of lemon orzo, making sure each plate gets a generous portion. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a slice of lemon on the side for an extra touch of flavor. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
If you have leftovers, let them cool down before storing. Place the salmon and orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for about 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon; it should be flaky but still moist.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas or cherry tomatoes, for extra flavor and nutrition.
variation
You can replace salmon with other fish like trout or tilapia. For a vegetarian version, try omitting the fish and adding chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms as a protein source.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
Q2: What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
A2: You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q3: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the orzo in advance and then quickly reheat it with the salmon when you are ready to serve.
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-skillet dish that combines the richness of salmon with the bright flavors of lemon and creamy orzo.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat in the butter and garlic. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Stir in the baby spinach until wilted, then mix in Parmesan cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them over the lemon orzo. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm.
Notes
To prevent overcooking the salmon, ensure it remains flaky but moist. Feel free to enhance the dish with extra vegetables like peas or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean