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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish combining tender salmon fillets with bright, zesty lemon-flavored orzo pasta. Cooked entirely in one pan, this recipe saves time and minimizes cleanup while delivering a balanced and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed), about 6 oz each
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Orzo and Flavor Base

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • Fresh herbs (dill, parsley or thyme), chopped, about 2 tablespoons

Optional Additions and Variations

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus (optional veggie boost)
  • Red pepper flakes or paprika (for spice)
  • 1/4 cup cream or 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for creamy richness)
  • Alternative herbs such as basil or tarragon
  • Gluten-free pasta or quinoa instead of orzo (for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and stir frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to keep the garlic sweet and mellow.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Add dry orzo to the skillet with garlic. Toast for 1 minute until lightly golden. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Combine and Finish Cooking: Gently nestle the salmon back into the skillet with the orzo. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and the salmon finish cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley over the dish just before serving for freshness and color. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with extra virgin olive oil or additional lemon zest.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon for best texture and flavor; frozen works if thawed completely.
  • Don’t rush the sear—let the salmon cook undisturbed on skin side to get crispy texture.
  • Add broth gradually if needed to avoid mushy orzo; it should be tender but separate.
  • Add garlic after searing to prevent bitterness from burning.
  • Taste and adjust lemon juice carefully for bright but balanced acidity.
  • Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth to maintain texture and avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon orzo, one skillet, quick dinner, healthy meal, fresh herbs, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/one-skillet-salmon-with-lemon-orzo/