Table of Contents

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a delightful and vibrant dish that brings together tender salmon, zesty lemon, and creamy orzo pasta—all made in just one skillet! This recipe combines fresh ingredients that not only taste amazing but are also packed with nutrition. 🍋🐟

Why make this recipe?

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and leaves you with minimal cleanup since everything is prepared in one skillet. Plus, the flavor of the lemon and the richness of the salmon make each bite a delight, bringing a refreshing taste of spring to your table! 🌱

How to prepare One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) 🐟
2 tablespoons olive oil 🥄
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1/2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
2 tablespoons butter 🧈
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta 🍝
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 🍲
Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
2 cups fresh baby spinach 🥬
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) 🧀
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish 🍃
Lemon slices, for garnish 🍋

Instructions:

Season the Salmon: Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside. 🐟🧂
Sauté the Salmon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside. 🥘
Prepare the Orzo: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it toast lightly. 🍝✋
Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. 🍲🍋
Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese if desired. 🥬🧀
Reintroduce the Salmon: Gently place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet with the orzo. Heat for an additional minute to warm through. 🍽️
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving. Enjoy your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo! 🎉

How to serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Serve the One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. 🍽️

How to store One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist. 🥡

Tips for preparing One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon to get that nice sear.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference; feel free to add herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor! 🌿

Variations

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the orzo while it cooks. 🌶️
Swap the salmon for chicken breast or shrimp if preferred. 🍗🍤

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used. 🍝

2. Is it necessary to use fresh spinach?
While fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can also use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. 🥬

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the orzo and salmon separately and combine them just before serving to retain the best flavor and texture. 🍽️

Enjoy creating this delightful dish, and happy cooking! 🥳