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One Skillet Salmon With Lemon Orzo 2025 12 23 173910 150x150 1

One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A quick and cozy dinner featuring tender salmon and creamy lemon orzo, cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skinless salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
  • 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 (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  3. Sear the salmon, skinless-side down, for 3–4 minutes until golden; flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the orzo and dried thyme, toasting the orzo for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until orzo is almost tender.
  8. Nestle the seared salmon back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper over the salmon. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes until salmon is cooked through and orzo is tender.
  9. Stir in the baby spinach until wilted, then add lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  10. Serve with a crack of fresh pepper and a pinch of chili flakes, if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for a nice sear. Use low-sodium broth to control salt level. Can substitute for different proteins or use gluten-free pasta.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Pescatarian

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