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one skillet salmon with lemon orzo 2026 03 17 133543 683x1024 1

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A quick and delightful meal featuring salmon, lemon, and orzo pasta, all cooked in one skillet for easy preparation and cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 fillets salmon fillets Make sure not to overcook for perfect texture.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced) Provides zesty flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the salmon.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) Adds a fresh touch to the dish.

Method
 

Cooking the Salmon
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet.
  3. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Orzo
  1. In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for about 2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook the orzo for about 10 minutes or until tender and absorbed liquid.
  4. Fluff the orzo with a fork, then place the salmon on top.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve warm directly from the skillet, optionally with an extra lemon wedge. For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of broth for moisture.