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one skillet salmon with lemon orzo 2026 04 12 111229 683x1024 1

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A delightful and nutritious dish combining salmon, lemon, and orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the salmon
  • 4 fillets skinless salmon fillets
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp unsalted butter
For the orzo
  • 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
  • ½ lemon Juice from ½ lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
For serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper for serving
  • Chili flakes for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Get your prep done before you start cooking: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
  5. Add spinach, stir, and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
  7. Return the salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
  8. Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Notes

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Make sure to pat your salmon dry to get a nice sear. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference. You can add more garlic or herbs if you like. If you like a tangier flavor, use more lemon juice or add lemon zest before serving. You can use other types of fish, such as tilapia or cod, instead of salmon. For a vegetarian option, omit the salmon and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.