Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets.; 1 cup dry orzo pasta.; 1 yellow onion, chopped.; 3 garlic cloves, minced.; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth.; 5 oz baby spinach.; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 1 teaspoon butter.; 1 teaspoon dried thyme.; Juice of 1/2 lemon.; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; Salt and pepper to taste.

A portion of salmon rests on a bed of orzo pasta mixed with spinach, served in a beige bowl against a wooden surface. | kitchenscroll.com

I stumbled upon this one skillet wonder last year and it's been my dinnertime savior ever since. Something magical happens when salmon gets crispy while orzo turns creamy underneath. The aroma of lemon and herbs fills my kitchen making this 30-minute meal feel like a special occasion every time.

Worth Every Bite

This recipe came from my need for quick yet impressive dinners. The buttery salmon pairs perfectly with creamy orzo while fresh lemon and herbs brighten every bite. It's become my go to whether I'm feeding my family on a busy Wednesday or hosting friends for dinner.

All You'll Need

Salmon: I pick center cut pieces for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Butter and Oil: Together they create that perfect golden crust.
Seasoning Blend: My mix of salt pepper paprika and garlic powder adds layers of flavor.

For the Creamy Orzo

Fresh Garlic and Onion: They create the foundation of flavor.
Orzo Pasta: These tiny grains become incredibly creamy.
Baby Spinach: Fresh greens wilt perfectly into the mix.
Good Stock: Makes everything rich and velvety.
Real Parmesan: Always freshly grated it melts beautifully.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme brings warmth and aroma.
Bright Lemon: Adds that perfect finishing touch.

Three pieces of fresh salmon fillet are arranged in a container, surrounded by small bowls of various seasonings and ingredients, including butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and almonds. | kitchenscroll.com

Bringing It All Together

Start with Salmon: Get your pan nice and hot then sear until golden perfect.
Layer Those Flavors: Let garlic and onion soften and sweeten in the same pan.
Create the Base: Toast your orzo then let it simmer to creamy perfection.
Add Fresh Elements: Watch spinach melt into silky ribbons.
Final Magic: Return salmon to warm through and absorb all those flavors.

My Kitchen Secrets

Don't skip toasting the orzo it makes such a difference in flavor. Fresh lemon zest brightens everything up and occasionally I'll add a splash of white wine to the broth. Keep your eye on the salmon a perfect crust makes all the difference.

The Magic in One Pan

The beauty of this dish lies in how the flavors build. Each ingredient adds something special from the golden seared salmon to the way orzo gets creamy like risotto. That hint of lemon and fresh herbs makes everything sing.

Keeping It Fresh

If you somehow have leftovers store them in a sealed container overnight. A splash of stock when reheating brings back all that creamy goodness. The salmon stays surprisingly tender even the next day.

An assortment of ingredients including orzo pasta, vegetable broth, lemon, garlic, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and salt arranged on a white surface. | kitchenscroll.com

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements this dish beautifully. Sometimes I'll serve it with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side or warm crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to play around shrimp works wonderfully instead of salmon. Asparagus or peas can stand in for spinach and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds nice warmth. Trust your taste and make it yours.

From My Table to Yours

This recipe works its magic whether you're having a quiet family dinner or hosting friends. The ease of preparation and cleanup means more time enjoying good company and less time in the kitchen.

Simple Yet Special

Every time I make this dish I fall in love with its simplicity all over again. One pan creates a complete meal that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. It's proof that good cooking doesn't need to be complicated.

A skillet contains four pieces of seared salmon atop a bed of orzo pasta mixed with spinach. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?: Best served fresh as salmon can overcook when reheated. Cook orzo ahead if needed.
→ How do I prevent orzo from sticking?: Stir occasionally while cooking and ensure enough liquid. Add more broth if needed.
→ Can I use frozen salmon?: Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
→ What can I substitute for spinach?: Kale or Swiss chard work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for tougher greens.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?: No, orzo contains gluten. Substitute with rice or gluten-free small pasta shapes.

Conclusion

This one-skillet salmon dish combines pan-seared fish with creamy lemon orzo and spinach, creating a delicious and easy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a flavorful and nutritious dinner option.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo