Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and served atop creamy, lemon-infused orzo pasta, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup. The combination of fresh lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream creates a bright and rich sauce that complements the salmon beautifully. Garnished with fresh parsley, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is both elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Orzo and Sauce
- 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
- Season and Sear Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side up and sear for 3–4 minutes until the surface turns golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped shallot for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Toast Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes, allowing the pasta to lightly toast. This enhances the nuttiness and texture of the orzo.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture 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.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and the optional heavy cream. Mix well to create a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the orzo.
- Reheat Salmon and Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Warm through gently for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For variation, substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken breasts.
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream.
- Include extra vegetables like fresh spinach or green peas for added nutrition and color.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon; it should be moist and flaky.
- If orzo absorbs too much liquid before cooking is complete, add a splash more broth or water as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
