This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a fresh and tasty meal that’s super simple to make! The salmon cooks to perfection while the orzo shines with a zesty lemon flavor.
I love that everything happens in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the bright lemon taste makes it feel like a sunny day on a plate. Enjoy it with a side salad for a complete dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen salmon, just thaw it first. For a different flavor, try trout or even chicken breast for a non-fish option.
Orzo: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is key to controlling salt levels. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth can take the flavor up a notch too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If you have kale or Swiss chard, they can work too. Just make sure to chop them smaller for even cooking.
How Do I Cook the Salmon Perfectly in One Skillet?
Cooking salmon in a skillet is all about timing and heat control. Start by searing it skin-side down to get a crispy texture. After a few minutes, once it’s browned, you can remove it so the orzo can cook evenly.
- Preheat your skillet and oil it well before adding the salmon.
- Don’t rush the searing—let it form a nice crust before flipping.
- Finish the cooking process in the oven, ensuring even cooking without drying it out.
By the time the orzo is tender, your salmon should be perfectly cooked through, flaky, and moist!
One Skillet Salmon With Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (+ 1 lemon for juice)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the oven, plus an additional few minutes to finish the dish. You’ll have a delightful meal ready in approximately 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your salmon and orzo cook evenly and perfectly.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for delicious flavor. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 3 minutes until they are browned but not fully cooked. Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Toast the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it around for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly. This step gives the orzo a nutty flavor!
5. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and add the diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add the Salmon and Lemon:
Gently place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, skin side up, on top of the orzo mixture. Arrange the thin lemon slices around and on top of the salmon. This adds flavor and a lovely presentation!
7. Bake:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the salmon is cooked through (you want an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C).
8. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is ready, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the entire dish. The heat will help wilt the spinach perfectly!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve the salmon along with the lemon orzo immediately, garnishing with extra lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your bright and flavorful meal!
Can I Substitute the Orzo Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta or grain you choose.
How Do I Know When the Salmon is Fully Cooked?
Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A good indicator is that it will flake easily with a fork. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for a consistent color throughout, ideally a light pink in the center.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the orzo mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently, add the salmon, and bake until heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to avoid dryness.
