Creamy. Zesty. Fresh.
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect blend of restaurant-quality flavor and weeknight convenience. Tender seared salmon rests on a bed of bright, lemony, buttery orzo that cooks entirely in one pan. The result? A wholesome, comforting dish bursting with freshness — and ready in just 30 minutes!
Whether you’re cooking for guests or craving something nourishing and elegant, this recipe delivers every single time.
🕒 Time & Nutrition
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~450 per serving
🐟 Ingredients
For the Salmon
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Lemon Orzo
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 grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
To Finish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish
🍽️ Instructions
1. Season the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry.
Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon-Garlic Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Orzo
Add orzo pasta and stir to coat in the buttery garlic mixture.
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 becomes tender and creamy.
5. Add Spinach and Cheese
Stir in fresh baby spinach until wilted.
Mix in Parmesan cheese (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Finish the Dish
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them on top of the lemon orzo.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh, bright finish.
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, zesty, wholesome bite!
💡 Cooking Tips
Don’t skip the lemon zest — it adds incredible flavor.
For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese before adding the salmon back.
Substitute salmon with chicken or shrimp for variation.
Use vegetable broth to keep the dish lighter and more refreshing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
Garlic roasted vegetables
A crisp cucumber salad
Steamed asparagus
Chilled sparkling water or white wine
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 30 minutes
One-pan cleanup
Perfect balance of creamy + citrusy
High in protein & nutrients
Elegant enough for dinner guests