One-Pan Creamy Lemon Orzo with Salmon: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

One-Pan Creamy Lemon Orzo with Salmon: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

If you’re searching for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner, look no further than this Creamy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Salmon. Packed with vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and minimal cleanup, this dish is a weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes- perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Nutritious and Flavorful: Loaded with omega-3-rich salmon, hearty orzo, and a bright burst of lemon.
4. Family-Approved: A dish so good, even picky eaters will clean their plates!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Salmon recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand:

• Salmon: Fresh fillets, either skin-on or skinless.
• Orzo: A small pasta that’s perfect for soaking up creamy sauces.
• Garlic & Shallots: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: For cooking the orzo and creating a rich base.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature creaminess.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, umami finish.
• Butter and Olive Oil: To sear the salmon and enhance the sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil for garnish.

Watch the Recipe Video

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Salmon

Season the salmon with the salmon seasonings and lemon juice. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Mix until combined, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Save the salmon juices.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with lemon juice and cook for 1-2 minutes until brown bits at the bottom of the pan begin to lift.

3. Cook the Orzo

Stir in the uncooked orzo, coating it in the garlic butter. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, chili flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grate in Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Orzo

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens. Add in spinach and mix until spinach is cooked and wilted.

5. Add the Salmon

Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Cover and let cook for an additional 5 minutes to cook the salmon through.

6. Finish with Parmesan

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.

7. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and basil, Parmesan cheese, a few cracks of black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm and enjoy!

Delish Tips

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh fillets will yield the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the perfect al dente texture.
• Customize It: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra veggies.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

As a busy mom, I know how important it is to find meals that are both delicious and time-efficient. This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Salmon checks all the boxes—it’s quick, easy, and a hit with the whole family. Plus, fewer dishes mean more time to spend with loved ones (or sneak in a little me-time!).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of fish?
Absolutely! Cod, halibut, or trout would work well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have orzo?
You can substitute with rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This dish is more than just a meal, it’s a solution for busy nights, a family favorite, and a dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. Give it a try this week and see why it’s bound to become a staple in your home!

Creamy One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Creamy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Salmon is the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner. This family-approved dish combines tender salmon, creamy orzo, and fresh lemon flavors, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights and packed with nutrients to keep everyone happy and satisfied!

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Yields: 4

Ingredients

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets skin-on or skinless, about 4-6 oz each I got my salmon at @wholefoods
• 1 tbsp olive oil I use @getgraza or @terradelyssa
• 1 tbsp paprika I use @watkins.1868
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 lemon juiced

Orzo

• 1 shallot diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tbsp butter I use @kerrygoldusa
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2.5 cups uncooked orzo I use @barillaus
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth I use @pacificfoods
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream/milk
• 1 lemon zested and juiced (@wonderfulseedlesslemons my fav)
• 2 cups spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese I use @parmigianoreggiano
• Fresh parsley and basil chopped finely for garnish

Instructions

• Season the salmon with the salmon seasonings and lemon juice. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Mix until combined. then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Save the salmon juices.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with lemon juice and cook for 1-2 minutes until brown bits at the bottom of the pan begin to lift.
• Stir in the uncooked orzo, coating it in the garlic butter. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, chili flakes, garlic + onion powder. Grate in parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens. Add in spinach and mix until spinach is cooked and wilted.
• Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Cover and let cook for an additional 5 minutes to cook the salmon through.
• Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and basil, parmesan cheese, a few cracks of black pepper and lemon juice and serve warm. Serve and enjoy!