This One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo is a bright and tasty dish! The salmon is cooked to perfection, and the orzo is creamy and comforting—perfect for any day of the week.
I love how everything cooks in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze! Plus, that zesty lemon really brings everything together. Who can resist a simple meal that tastes so good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this dish. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works too—just make sure to thaw them properly. You could also use other fish like trout or chicken breast if you prefer.
Orzo: This tiny pasta adds a creamy texture, but if you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like couscous or even rice, adjusting the cooking liquid accordingly.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a plant-based cream. I like to cut down on calories, but heavy cream does make the sauce richer.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but you can replace it with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Even frozen spinach works in a pinch; just drain excess liquid before adding.
Parmesan Cheese: Parm adds a nice umami flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste without the dairy. Grated mozzarella can also work as a substitute.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon to perfection can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. Start by searing the salmon skin-side down if it has skin. The key is to not rush it!
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil and salmon. This helps get that golden crust.
- Cook it on one side without moving it for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden. Only flip it once!
- The internal temperature for salmon should reach 145°F. It should flake easily with a fork when done.
Perfect salmon enhances the dish’s overall flavor, so take your time with this step!
One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes, optional for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but delicious enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
2. Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes on one side until they are golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are just cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Garlic:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it—you want it fragrant but not burnt!
4. Add the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the garlic and any remaining oil in the pan. This helps the orzo absorb all the lovely flavors.
5. Simmer the Orzo:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing it to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender but still firm, about 9-11 minutes.
6. Stir in Cream and Spinach:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. This will create a creamy base for the dish.
7. Add Lemon and Cheese:
Incorporate the lemon zest, juice, and grated Parmesan cheese into the orzo mixture. Stir well to combine everything until you have a creamy consistency.
8. Nestle in the Salmon:
Gently place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the creamy orzo. Cover the skillet and let everything warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your dish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one skillet lemon salmon with creamy orzo!
This recipe combines the zesty brightness of lemon with creamy orzo and perfectly seared salmon, all in one pan for minimal hassle and maximum flavor. Enjoy every bite! 😊
FAQ for One Skillet Lemon Salmon with Creamy Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before cooking so that it cooks evenly.
What if I Don’t Have Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like farro, couscous, or even small pieces of rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust the liquid as needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
