Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served atop creamy, lemon-infused orzo pasta, this dish combines bright citrus flavors with tender seafood for a healthy and satisfying meal all prepared in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Orzo
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear the salmon, skin-side up, for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the shallot for 1–2 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring often to coat with oil and develop a slight nutty flavor.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Orzo: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream if using, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Reheat Salmon and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo, and warm through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for a flavorful one-pan meal.
Notes
- You can substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken for variety.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream.
- Add spinach or peas to the orzo while cooking for extra vegetables.
