Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal packed with bright lemon flavor, creamy Parmesan orzo, and flaky, pan-seared salmon. It’s a perfect one-pan recipe for busy weeknights or an elegant yet effortless dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the salmon in a skillet with olive oil and butter for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
- Toast the orzo, then add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 minutes.
- Stir in spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice, cooking until creamy.
- Return salmon to the skillet and warm through. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen salmon (thawed and patted dry).
- Adjust lemon juice for more or less brightness.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean