This One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Lemon Orzo is a treat! You get tender salmon paired with delightful orzo cooked to creamy perfection. And hey, everything is made in just one skillet!
The best part? Less cleanup! I love the bright lemon flavor that makes each bite feel fresh. Plus, you can impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal here. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure it’s thawed completely. Tuna steaks can also work well if you want a different taste!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a nice texture, but you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like rice-shaped pasta, couscous, or even quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk. This will slightly change the flavor but still keep it creamy.
Spinach: Baby spinach is easy and cooks quickly. If you’re out of spinach, you can use kale or swiss chard—just make sure to cook them longer until tender.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! The key is in the timing and temperature.
- Start with a hot skillet to achieve a nice sear. Medium-high heat is perfect.
- Place the salmon skin-side down if you have skin. The skin will crisp up beautifully!
- Cook for about 4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily when done.
If you’re unsure, a food thermometer can help—salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Lemon Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orzo and Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll spend a little time prepping the ingredients, cooking the salmon, and letting the orzo absorb all those yummy flavors. It’s quick, easy, and packed with taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help them sear nicely. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down if applicable. Sear until they are nicely browned and nearly cooked through, which should take about 4 minutes per side. Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, around 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Next, stir in the orzo pasta, cooking it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. This light toasting will enhance the flavor. Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer and Combine:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes. The orzo should be tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed by this point. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Spinach and Cream:
Now, toss in the baby spinach leaves and stir until they wilt. Then, add in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix it well to create a creamy sauce, and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Return the Salmon:
Gently nestle the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the creamy orzo. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the salmon to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Warm and Garnish:
Cover the skillet and let everything warm together for about 2 minutes. This step helps meld all the wonderful flavors together. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your effortless, flavorful One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Lemon Orzo! It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Salmon with Another Type of Fish?
Absolutely! You can use other firm fish like cod, haddock, or even tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as different fish will cook at different rates.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No problem! You can replace orzo with any small pasta shape like ditalini, couscous, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary by pasta type.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the orzo creamy.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the orzo and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the orzo, cook fresh salmon, and combine them for a quick meal!
