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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

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This One-Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a simple yet elegant meal featuring pan-seared salmon and creamy, lemon-infused orzo. Made in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect dish for busy nights!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Lemon Orzo:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Salmon

Pat dry the salmon fillets and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until cooked through.

Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Lemon Orzo

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute to enhance flavor.

Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Mix until creamy.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

 

Notes

Want a dairy-free version? Skip the Parmesan and cream or use coconut milk.

Prefer a veggie boost? Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the orzo.

Make it spicy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orzo.

 

Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/one-skillet-salmon-with-lemon-orzo-recipe/