This One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo is a quick and tasty meal! The juicy salmon pairs perfectly with rich orzo, all cooked together in one pan.
If you’re like me, the lemon-y goodness is a real mood booster! Plus, clean-up is a breeze since everything’s in one skillet—who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here! If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or another firm fish like cod or tilapia.
Orzo: This tiny pasta brings a lovely texture. If you’re gluten-free, you could swap it with quinoa or rice. Both work well and still give you that creamy feel!
Chicken Broth: I use chicken broth for flavor, but vegetable broth is a great substitute if you prefer. It’ll keep the dish vegetarian and still delicious.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrients. If you have kale or Swiss chard, those can also work. Just chop them a bit smaller and add as directed.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives creaminess. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky. Here’s a guideline to help you out:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This helps achieve that golden crust.
- Cook skin-side down first, if the skin is on; it protects the fish and helps it stay moist.
- Don’t flip too soon! Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork.
- If you’re unsure, you can use a meat thermometer. Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up on a busy weeknight without any fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps to get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and almost cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Toast the Orzo:
Next, add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Toast it by stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the pasta!
5. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook the Orzo:
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking!
7. Stir in the Spinach & Cheese:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the baby spinach until it’s wilted. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir until it all mixes into a creamy texture.
8. Return the Salmon:
Now it’s time to nestle the salmon fillets back into the orzo mixture. Spoon some of the creamy orzo sauce over the salmon and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy this delicious, creamy lemon salmon with orzo made all in one skillet!
Your meal is ready! Sit down, dig in, and savor every bite of your flavorful creation!
FAQ: One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If you’re in a rush, you can thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking as directed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply omit the cheese entirely. For creaminess, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the orzo and sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, and then top with freshly cooked salmon.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit more liquid if it seems too thick. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner!
