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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo for Quick Family Dinners

A quick and easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe perfect for family dinners, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Skinless salmon Use skin-on if preferred for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Divided for seasoning salmon and orzo.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Coarsely ground black pepper Can substitute with white pepper.
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Dry orzo pasta Substitute with quinoa or rice for gluten-free.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Can substitute with avocado or vegetable oil.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Swap for ghee for dairy-free.
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Chopped. Shallots or green onions can be milder alternatives.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Use fresh thyme if available.
For Flavoring
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika Opt for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic equals 1 clove.
  • 2 cups Low sodium chicken broth Vegetable broth as a vegetarian option.
  • 0.5 lemon Juice Added for brightness; zest can enhance flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can be used for vegan option.
For Serving
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste Chili flakes
  • 2 cups Baby spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard.

Equipment

  • skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Gather all ingredients. Chop onion, mince garlic, pat salmon dry, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add salmon and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic to skillet; sauté for 2 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Add thyme, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir in dry orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan.
  7. Nestle the salmon back into skillet and warm for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with black pepper and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure salmon fillets are dry before seasoning for better searing. Monitor liquid levels and adjust seasoning as needed.

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