Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. You can cook the orzo base ahead and reheat gently, then sear salmon right before serving.

What can I use instead of orzo?

Small pasta like ditalini or even rice works. Adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.

How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?

It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo – Quick & Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 skinless salmon fillets; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt (divided); 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided); 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 oz baby spinach; Juice from ½ lemon; ½ cup grated Parmesan; Freshly ground black pepper, for serving; Chili flakes, for serving (optional)

Description

This one skillet salmon with lemon orzo combines tender, seasoned salmon with creamy, lemony orzo, fresh spinach, and Parmesan. It’s bright, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

4 skinless salmon fillets

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt (divided)

1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)

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 oz baby spinach

Juice from ½ lemon

½ cup grated Parmesan

Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

Chili flakes, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Grate Parmesan, chop onion, and mince garlic. Pat salmon dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in an 11″ nonstick skillet over medium-high. Sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in thyme, remaining salt, and pepper.

4. Add orzo to skillet and stir for 1 minute to coat and lightly toast.

5. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Mix in spinach. Simmer 2 minutes until wilted.

7. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add a splash of broth if needed. Taste and adjust salt.

8. Return salmon to skillet and simmer gently 2–3 minutes to warm through.

9. Top with black pepper and chili flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can swap salmon for shrimp or chicken.

Try broccoli, kale, or peas instead of spinach.

Deglaze the skillet with dry white wine before adding broth for extra flavor.

Serve with a leafy salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 391
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 959mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 107mg