Name: One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta; 2 cups (475 ml) chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream; 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges, for serving

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This bright and flavorful dish brings together tender salmon fillets with creamy, zesty lemon orzo, all prepared in a single skillet for a quick and easy meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you want something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of perfectly seared salmon with creamy, tangy orzo creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup. The dish balances rich flavors with bright acidity from fresh lemon, making it feel both indulgent and light. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets form the protein-packed centerpiece of this dish, offering a rich, buttery texture and robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the citrusy orzo. Look for fillets of even thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate.

Olive oil helps create that perfect sear on the salmon and provides a flavorful base for the orzo. Its subtle fruitiness complements both the fish and the pasta components.

Seasonings like garlic powder and paprika bring depth to the salmon without overwhelming it. The paprika adds a subtle smoky note and appealing color to the fish.

Orzo pasta is the tiny, rice-shaped pasta that serves as the foundation for the creamy side dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it perfect for this one-skillet approach.

Onion and garlic create an aromatic flavor base that infuses the entire dish. They add depth and savory notes that balance the richness of the cream and fish.

Broth (chicken or vegetable) adds flavor while cooking the orzo to perfect tenderness. It infuses the pasta with far more flavor than plain water would.

Heavy cream transforms the orzo from simple pasta to a luxurious, velvety side dish. It creates a silky texture that coats each grain of orzo perfectly.

Lemon juice and zest are the bright, zesty elements that cut through the richness and bring the whole dish together. The juice adds tanginess while the zest contributes intense citrus aroma.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth to the orzo and helps thicken the sauce slightly. It melts into the warm pasta, distributing its nutty flavor throughout.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor that lightens the dish. It's the perfect finishing touch both visually and flavor-wise.

Directions

Cook the Salmon:

Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Lemon Orzo:

In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the orzo pasta, stirring to coat with the oil, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Add Cream and Flavor:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until creamy.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Assemble and Serve:

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the lemon orzo.
Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously, with each serving providing approximately 520 calories. It's perfect for a satisfying dinner that doesn't leave you feeling overly full. The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean twist.

Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh dill and chives along with the parsley for a more herb-forward flavor profile that complements the salmon beautifully.

Vegetable Boost: Add asparagus tips, peas, or baby spinach to the orzo during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion and garlic for a version with some heat.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese (or use a plant-based alternative) for a dairy-free version that still maintains creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The orzo will absorb more of the liquid as it sits, becoming thicker when chilled.

Freezing: This dish doesn't freeze well due to the cream-based sauce and the texture of the salmon, which can become dry when reheated from frozen.

Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo, which will have thickened in the refrigerator. Cover the skillet to help the salmon warm through without drying out.

Separate Components: If planning leftovers, consider keeping some of the cooked salmon separate from the orzo when storing. This allows you to reheat the orzo thoroughly without overcooking the salmon.

Rejuvenate Flavor: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs after reheating to brighten the flavors that may have mellowed during storage.

FAQs

Can I use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, skinless salmon fillets work perfectly fine in this recipe. You may need to reduce the initial cooking time by about a minute since the skin typically provides some protection against overcooking. Just watch the salmon carefully and remove it once it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce won't be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious. If using yogurt, add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Is orzo pasta or rice?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from semolina flour, not rice. It cooks like pasta but has the appearance and sometimes the texture similar to rice, making it versatile for many dishes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare elements ahead of time. Cook the orzo slightly less than al dente and refrigerate. Sear the salmon but leave it slightly undercooked. When ready to serve, warm the orzo with a splash of broth, finish cooking the salmon, and combine.

What's the best way to tell when salmon is done cooking?

Perfectly cooked salmon should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the center. It should flake easily with a fork but still maintain moisture. For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).

Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other firm fish fillets like halibut, cod, or sea bass. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fillets – thinner pieces will cook more quickly than thick salmon fillets.

Why is my orzo still hard after the recommended cooking time?

Orzo brands can vary in cooking time. If your orzo is still hard, add a little more broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, and continue cooking until it reaches your desired tenderness. Make sure you're maintaining a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. These substitutions will change the flavor profile slightly but still result in a creamy, delicious dish.

What side dishes pair well with this salmon and orzo?

This one-skillet meal is complete on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans for added vegetables. A crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up the creamy orzo sauce.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

While fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor, you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the 2 tablespoons fresh. Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process than you would fresh herbs to allow their flavors to fully develop.

Conclusion

This One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo represents the perfect balance of convenience and culinary excellence. By combining tender salmon with creamy, zesty orzo pasta in a single skillet, you've created a meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight. The bright lemon notes cut through the richness of the fish and cream, while the herbs add fresh dimension to every bite.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its adaptability – it welcomes variations based on what you have on hand or your particular taste preferences. Plus, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it's bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss, proving that elegant, delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming.