One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Weeknights are a constant battle between wanting a delicious and healthy meal, and the ever-present urge to crawl into pajamas and order takeout.

That’s where this one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo comes in! It’s become my saving grace on those busy evenings.

The inspiration for this recipe struck during a recent trip to Italy. I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of every dish I tried.

One evening, I savored a plate of perfectly pan-seared salmon with a side of orzo pasta tossed in a light lemon sauce. The simplicity of the dish and the explosion of taste buds left a lasting impression.

Back home, I knew I had to recreate that magic in my kitchen. But with limited time and a mountain of dishes looming, I craved a one-pan solution.

Enter this recipe! By combining the salmon and orzo in a single skillet, I not only captured the essence of that Italian dish but also streamlined the entire cooking process.

The result? A fuss-free meal that’s bursting with flavor. The pan-seared salmon is crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky on the inside, while the orzo is cooked to al dente and coated in a light and tangy lemon sauce.

It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that feels gourmet yet comes together in under 30 minutes. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too!

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.  I love how the bright lemon flavor complements the rich salmon.

The orzo is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious sauce. And the spinach adds a touch of freshness and color. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Easy to make: This dish can be made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick and healthy: This meal is ready in 30 minutes or less.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or proteins.
• Delicious: The combination of flavors is simply divine.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

What You’ll Need

Salmon Fillets:

I always opt for fresh salmon fillets for this recipe. The flaky texture and rich flavor are unmatched. Plus, they cook up beautifully in the skillet, developing a crispy skin that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. 

Orzo Pasta:

Orzo pasta is a fun and versatile ingredient. It cooks quickly and has a slightly chewy texture that holds up well to the lemon sauce. I love how it absorbs the flavors of the dish and adds a satisfying element to the meal.

Spinach:

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a touch of freshness to the dish. It’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious addition.

Lemon:

Lemon is the secret ingredient to this dish. It adds a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the salmon. I always squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to ensure maximum flavor.

Parmesan Cheese:

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. It also adds a creamy texture that complements the flaky salmon and the al dente orzo. 

How To Make It?

To start, I cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, I season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

I remember my grandmother used to do the same thing with her fish, and it always turned out perfectly. 

Next, I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, I add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through. I then remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

While the salmon is resting, I add the spinach to the same skillet and cook until it’s wilted. Then, I add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss it with the spinach and any remaining pan juices. 

Finally, I return the salmon to the skillet and toss it with the orzo and spinach. I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Chef’s Notes

Tip # 1: Don’t Overcook the Salmon: 

It’s important to cook the salmon just until it’s flaky and cooked through. Overcooking can make the salmon dry and tough. 

Tip # 2: Use High-Quality Ingredients 

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to make the best possible dish. 

Tip # 3: Adjust the Lemon

If you like a more lemony flavor, add more lemon juice to the dish. 

Tip # 4: Experiment with Different Herbs 

Try adding different herbs, such as dill or thyme, to the dish. 

Tip # 5: Serve Immediately 

This dish is best served immediately, while the salmon and orzo are still hot.

FAQs

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

The pan-seared salmon is crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky on the inside, while the orzo is cooked to al dente and coated in a light and tangy lemon sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound salmon fillets
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
• Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to combine with the spinach.
• Return the salmon to the skillet and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Keyword One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, viral recipes

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