Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 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; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 1 tsp dried thyme; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 5 ounces baby spinach; Juice from ½ lemon; ½ cup grated Parmesan; Freshly ground black pepper (for serving); Chili flakes (for serving)

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When life gets busy, finding time to cook a wholesome, delicious meal can feel like a challenge. Enter the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition in one pan. With tender, pan-seared salmon, creamy orzo infused with lemon and Parmesan, and vibrant spinach, this recipe is a weeknight hero that will win over everyone at your table.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this fuss-free recipe is bound to be a favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of elegance and ease. Let’s dive into how you can create this all-in-one masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
One Pan Wonder: Save yourself the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans—everything cooks together in one skillet!
Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with protein-rich salmon, nutrient-dense spinach, and the zesty brightness of lemon, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
Minimal Prep: Just a few simple steps to chop, season, and sear—perfect for beginner cooks or seasoned pros looking for a low-effort meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Salmon Fillets: Four skinless fillets seasoned to perfection with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
Orzo Pasta: The star of the dish’s creamy base—tiny grains that cook quickly and absorb all the flavors.
Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients, wilted gently into the orzo.
Parmesan Cheese: For richness and creaminess that ties everything together.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh citrus zing.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base for cooking the orzo—use low sodium for better control of seasoning.
Garlic and Onion: Aromatic staples that build depth of flavor.
Olive Oil and Butter: For searing the salmon and sautéing the aromatics.
Seasonings: Sweet paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper bring layers of flavor to every bite.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, get your prep work done. Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Then season both sides of the fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the pan and sear them for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside—you’ll return them later!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for 1 minute. This step enhances its nutty flavor and ensures it absorbs all the goodness from the pan.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be almost al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed by this point.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Parmesan
Stir in baby spinach and let it wilt into the orzo for about 2 minutes. Then add lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy. If needed, add more broth to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.

Step 7: Return Salmon to Skillet
Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet with the orzo mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for a touch of spice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting one-pan dinner!

Tips for Success

Perfect Sear: Patting the salmon fillets dry before seasoning ensures they sear beautifully without sticking to the pan.
Don’t Overcook Orzo: Keep an eye on your orzo while it simmers—it should be tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or clumping.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: If your orzo absorbs too much broth before it’s fully cooked, add small amounts of extra broth or water until it reaches your preferred texture.
Fresh Parmesan: Grating Parmesan yourself will give you better flavor than pre-shredded varieties—trust us, it’s worth it!

Nutrition Breakdown

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious too! Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 391
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Vitamin A: 3790 IU (thanks to spinach!)
Calcium: 193mg

It’s a balanced meal that’s high in protein, moderate in healthy fats, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals—perfect for fueling your busy days!

Make It Your Own

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations to try:

Swap Proteins: Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken breast or shrimp instead!
Add Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Go Gluten-Free: Replace orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Spice It Up: Add more chili flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a fiery kick!

Final Thoughts

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is proof that great meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite—and all in just one pan!

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this quick yet elegant dinner tonight. Bon appétit!

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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo