There is something truly magical about the ease and elegance of the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe. This dish beautifully combines flaky, perfectly cooked salmon with creamy, zesty orzo in one harmonious skillet experience that’s as gorgeous on the plate as it is delicious. The flavors of fresh lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs mingle in every bite, making it a perfect meal for weeknights or special occasions alike. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that brings simplicity, bright flavors, and minimal cleanup to your kitchen, this dish is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe’s success lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the depth of flavor, the creamy texture, and the fresh, vibrant finish this dish delivers.
- Salmon fillets: The star protein, rich and flaky, offering healthy omega-3s and a buttery texture.
- Olive oil: For that perfect sear and a subtle fruity undertone.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory punch without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Dried oregano: Brings an earthy, Mediterranean touch that complements the lemon beautifully.
- Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: For brightness and a refreshing citrus aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- Orzo pasta: Small and tender, the perfect base to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides richness and depth to the orzo, making it far from ordinary.
- Butter: Creates a creamy, silky base for the orzo and helps meld all flavors together.
- Heavy cream: Adds lusciousness and ensures the orzo feels indulgent and comforting.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal lift at the end, balancing the richness.
How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your skillet will slide right into the oven to finish cooking the salmon perfectly after that initial sear on the stovetop. Heating the oven early saves you time and keeps everything flowing smoothly in the kitchen.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil, letting it get hot enough to shimmer gently. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful, golden crust on the salmon skin. Season both sides of each fillet liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano before placing them skin-side down in the pan. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, so the skin crisps up delightfully.
Step 3: Flip and Oven-Bake
Carefully flip the salmon fillets and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer the whole skillet into your preheated oven to bake for 7-10 minutes until the salmon reaches your ideal doneness—flaky and tender yet still juicy. This oven finish adds a lovely gentle heat to cook through evenly without drying out.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
While the salmon is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook it for 8-10 minutes until tender but with just enough bite to hold its texture. Then drain and set it aside, ready to soak up the flavorful sauce that you’ll prepare next.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Orzo
In a clean large skillet, gently melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked orzo, stirring carefully to combine all that buttery goodness with the tender pasta. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, blending these bright, creamy elements until silky and inviting. Let it warm through on low for 2-3 minutes before taking it off the heat and folding in fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your salmon is perfectly baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the luscious lemon orzo on individual plates or a serving platter, then nestle the salmon fillets right on top. This final presentation brings all the vibrant colors and textures together in one gorgeous dish.
How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple, beautiful garnish for this recipe, adding a burst of green and herbal brightness. For an extra touch of elegance, serve with lemon wedges or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the salmon for a glossy finish and enhanced flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. These sides add texture and freshness that complement the creamy orzo and tender salmon wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, try serving the orzo in shallow individual bowls topped with a salmon fillet and an artistic sprinkle of herbs and lemon zest. Or create a layered platter with the orzo as a bed, salmon fillets arranged in a circle, and scattered edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning, restaurant-worthy look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon and orzo together or separate them if you prefer to maintain the best texture for each part. Always cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
While the orzo can be frozen, the texture of the salmon might change after thawing, becoming less firm. If you want to freeze leftovers, pack the orzo in suitable containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 1 month. Consider freezing cooked salmon separately if you want to preserve its texture better.
Reheating
To gently reheat leftovers, warm the orzo in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture. Reheat salmon carefully in a low oven or microwave on a gentle setting to avoid overcooking. This way, your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe stays as delightful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo works beautifully for its small shape and creamy texture, small pasta like couscous, or small shell pasta can also be delicious alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice or zest?
Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness that canned or bottled lemon products can’t replicate. However, in a pinch, a teaspoon of bottled lemon juice can substitute, but fresh zest is best for that vibrant aroma and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. You can try substituting with gluten-free small pasta or even cooked quinoa to keep the spirit of the dish while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist and slightly translucent in the center. Oven time will vary slightly based on thickness, so check at 7 minutes and adjust as needed for your preferred doneness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative and replace the heavy cream with a coconut cream or other non-dairy cream substitute. The dish will be just as tasty with a slightly different creaminess and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their weekday dinners with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a wonderful blend of creamy, zesty, and savory notes that brighten your table and warm your heart. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe features tender, perfectly seared salmon fillets served atop a creamy and zesty lemon-infused orzo. The salmon is seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano, then seared and finished in the oven for juicy, flaky results. The orzo is cooked separately and combined with chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and parsley to create a luscious side that complements the rich fish. Ideal for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Orzo
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the salmon.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for searing the salmon.
- Warm Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
- Season Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano evenly.
- Sear Salmon, Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving to get crispy skin.
- Flip and Sear Opposite Side: Flip the fillets and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Bake Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 7-10 minutes until cooked through as desired.
- Boil Water for Orzo: While salmon bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to boiling water and cook according to package instructions for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain Orzo: Drain the cooked orzo and set aside for mixing with sauce.
- Melt Butter for Sauce: In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to prepare the orzo sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer in the buttered skillet.
- Add Orzo to Broth: Stir the cooked orzo into the simmering broth, mixing gently to combine flavors.
- Incorporate Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well mixed and creamy.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir for 2-3 minutes until the orzo mixture is creamy and heated through.
- Add Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Check Salmon Doneness: Remove the skillet from the oven once salmon is cooked to your liking.
- Plate Orzo and Salmon: Serve the creamy lemon orzo on plates and top with the baked salmon fillets.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired for brightness and presentation.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to transition the salmon directly from stovetop searing to oven baking to save cleanup time.
- The orzo can be cooked separately to ensure perfect texture without overcooking the salmon.
- Add extra lemon zest or juice if you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor in the orzo.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil respectively.
- Ensure the salmon skin is dry before searing to achieve crispiness.
