One-Skillet Salmon with Orzo
This simple One-Skillet Salmon with Orzo is the perfect meal just for two. Flaky, pan-seared salmon with creamy, lemony orzo pasta is a complete and healthy dinner that's fast and flavorful.
Simple One-Skillet Salmon Dinner
You'll love this easy salmon dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. It's perfectly portioned for two or yourself, with a generous serving left over the next day. The salmon is simply seasoned with lemon pepper and salt, then pan-seared to golden perfection. The orzo cooks right in the same skillet, making cleanup super easy. This meal is light, satisfying, and full of bright, fresh flavor. All it needs is a simple green salad or a side of steamed broccoli. So quick, delicious, and easy to love.
If you're a salmon lover like me, make sure to try my Teriyaki Salmon Sheet Pan Meal, Baked Salmon with Sweet Spiced Rub, or my Hot Honey Cilantro Lime Baked Salmon.
Here's what You Need
- Salmon- Make sure to use fresh salmon fillets (preferably wild caught)
- Orzo pasta- This looks like rice but in fact is pasta.
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Shallots are a cross between onion and garlic flavor. If you don't have shallots you can also use onion and garlic.
- Pantry seasonings- Lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Lemon juice, zest, and slices
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Easy Step by Step Salmon with Orzo
See the full details of this recipe with instructions in the recipe card below.
- Season salmon fillets on both sides with lemon pepper seasoning and salt.
- Heat a skillet to medium high heat and add olive oil. Sear salmon skin side down until golden brown, then do the same on the other side. Transfer to a plate.
- Add shallots and cook until soft then stir in orzo and toast.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook on low until orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is gone.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and parsley then nestle salmon back in the pan with the orzo. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use a non-stick pan to make it easier to flip the salmon and prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use skin-on salmon for the best flavor and crispier texture. Make sure to sear skin-side down first to develop a golden crust.
- Don't skip toasting the orzo- This adds a nutty depth that adds great flavor.
- Stir in more chicken broth if your pasta needs more time but the liquid is running low.
- Want a veggie boost? Add mushrooms or zucchini with the shallots. You can also stir in fresh baby spinach at the very end.
Leftover and Storage
- How long does salmon keep?
For the best flavor and freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating tip:
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo and keep the salmon moist, or microwaving also works, just keep in mind the salmon may dry out a bit.
One-Skillet Salmon with Orzo
Equipment
- 10 inch non-stick skillet with fitted lid
Ingredients
- 2 (6) ounce salmon fillets skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- lemon pepper seasoning to taste such as Dash (no salt)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small shallot, diced, about 2 tbsp
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed
- juice of ½ lemon and also zest ½ lemon
- 4 lemon slices
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season 2 salmon fillets on both sides with lemon pepper seasoning and kosher salt.
- Heat a medium non-stick skillet to medium high heat and add ½ tbsp olive oil. Place salmon fillets skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes or until deep golden brown. Carefully flip with a spatula and sear on the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Salmon should be cooked and easily flake with a fork. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm
- Meanwhile add the remaining ½ tbsp olive oil to the skillet and sauté shallot until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in orzo and toast for 1-minute.
- Next pour in chicken broth, lemon juiced, along with ½ lemon zested, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook orzo for 8-9 minutes or until tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. If your orzo needs more time and the liquid is running low, add a splash more chicken broth.
- When orzo is cooked, stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. It should be creamy. Nestle your salmon back in the pan with the orzo and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Want a veggie boost? Add mushrooms or zucchini with the shallots. You can also stir in fresh baby spinach at the very end.
Nutrition
More Small Family Recipes To Try
If you're in need of smaller meals to make for yourself or your loved one, try these next! Miso Salmon Bowls, Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, 25-Minute Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak, Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and Pineapple Chicken and Rice Casserole.
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This is so delicious Ang! The salmon was perfectly cooked. My husband, a former chef, complimented me on the flavors. I confessed it was you who made this happen. Can’t wait to try your other recipes. God’s blessings to you!
Sounds like I had some big shoes to fill with your former chef husband! Thank you for trying the recipe, I'm so glad you both enjoyed it!