If you’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to make, you’ve found a gem with this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Spinach Recipe. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, blending the bright zing of fresh lemon and garlic with rich salmon and nutty toasted orzo, all brought to life by tender spinach and a touch of Parmesan cheese. It’s an effortless way to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share the meal, all without a mountain of dishes afterward!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Spinach Recipe truly lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors that will make your taste buds sing.
- Salmon fillets: Choose skinless for easy cooking and perfect flaky texture.
- Garlic powder and minced garlic: Layered garlic flavors bring savory depth throughout the dish.
- Sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous hue to the salmon.
- Coarsely ground black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning — split between salmon and orzo for balanced taste.
- Low sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with savory richness.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, aromatic touch to the orzo and aromatics.
- Dry orzo pasta: Toasted to a golden perfection, it offers a nutty base for the dish.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and body in the base.
- Unsalted butter and olive oil: A perfect fat combo to sear the salmon and soften vegetables.
- Chili flakes: For those who like a gentle heat kick at the end.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds creamy umami and a subtle salty finish.
- Lemon juice: Injects bright, fresh acidity to lighten up the flavors.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down quickly, layering in leafy greens for freshness and color.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you heat up the skillet, it’s key to have everything ready to go. Pat your salmon dry to ensure a perfect sear, then coat both sides evenly with half the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Meanwhile, finely chop the yellow onion, mince fresh garlic cloves, and grate the Parmesan. Having these basics prepped sets you up for smooth sailing through the recipe.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, lay down the seasoned salmon fillets and let them cook undisturbed until golden brown on the first side — this usually takes a few minutes. Flip and cook the second side similarly. Once seared, transfer the salmon to a plate to rest; this step locks in those juicy flavors and keeps the fish tender.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and toss your chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. The aromas will start to bloom as they soften, releasing that wonderful sweetness that forms the flavor foundation. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and sprinkle in dried thyme to enhance the herbal fragrance. Stir everything so it evenly mingles together.
Step 4: Toast the Orzo
Now it’s time to add the star carb — the orzo. Pour it directly into the skillet and keep it moving with a spoon for about a minute. This toasting process enhances the orzo’s nutty flavor and ensures it won’t clump as it cooks. You’ll notice the color deepen just slightly, adding an appealing toasted aroma to the mix.
Step 5: Simmer the Orzo
Slowly pour the chicken broth over the toasted orzo, then crank the heat until the mixture bubbles. Immediately reduce the heat to keep a gentle simmer. Let the orzo absorb most of the broth over about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method creates a creamy yet perfectly cooked texture without any extra stirring or cream needed.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Parmesan
Once the orzo has nearly soaked up all the broth, toss in the fresh baby spinach. Stir gently until it wilts down to a vibrant green within a couple of minutes. Then squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle your grated Parmesan, stirring well to bind all the flavors together. Taste at this point and adjust salt if needed for the perfect balance.
Step 7: Reheat the Salmon
Gently nestle the rested salmon fillets back into the bubbling orzo. Let them warm through for two to three minutes — this way the salmon juices mingle with the pasta and greens, marrying everything into one delicious dish.
How to Serve One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To really bring this dish home, sprinkle some chili flakes and an extra grind of black pepper over the top just before serving. This finishing touch adds a subtle heat and visual pop that makes the plate as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
This one-pan wonder is quite complete on its own, but if you want to add a little extra, consider serving with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal veggies. The freshness and crunch will complement the creamy orzo and tender salmon perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the salmon fillets atop individual mounds of the lemon garlic orzo on warm plates, garnished with lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. The color contrast is stunning, and guests will feel like they’re being treated to something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further but be sure to keep the salmon separated slightly from the orzo to avoid over-softening.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to one month. Freeze the salmon fillets and orzo separately if possible, wrapped tightly to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the orzo on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Warm the salmon fillets separately in a low oven or microwave and serve immediately to preserve their flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo gives this recipe its signature texture and appearance, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can work well too, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to use chicken broth?
Chicken broth adds wonderful depth and savory notes, but vegetable broth is a fine substitute if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian-friendly base.
Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use skin-on if that’s what you have. You may want to crisp up the skin a bit longer at the start before flipping for extra texture.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as alternatives, or you can omit it altogether — just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
How do I prevent the spinach from getting mushy?
Add the spinach at the very end of cooking and stir just until wilted, which usually takes a minute or two. Overcooking it leads to a soggy texture, so quick is best!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about a meal that’s bursting with flavor, comes together in one pan, and leaves you with just a few dishes afterward. This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Spinach Recipe is one of those special recipes that I keep coming back to whenever I want a fuss-free dinner that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite, too!
Print
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Toasted Orzo and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One Skillet Salmon Lemon Orzo recipe offers a delightful, quick, and easy meal that combines perfectly seared salmon with flavorful lemon-infused orzo pasta and fresh spinach. Cooked all in one pan, it makes for a minimal cleanup, nutritious dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp salt, divided
Orzo and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- juice from ½ lemon
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- chili flakes, for serving
- freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel. Season both sides with half the salt and half the black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and grate the Parmesan cheese to have all ingredients ready.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan and cook until the first side is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden as well. Remove the salmon and set aside to rest.
- Cook Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with the remaining salt and pepper, and sprinkle the dried thyme; stir well to combine.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir continuously for about one minute to toast it lightly and blend with the aromatics.
- Simmer Orzo: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, increase heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the orzo absorb most of the liquid, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until tender.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the orzo mixture and adjust salt if needed.
- Reheat Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling orzo mixture. Let them reheat for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the orzo and salmon onto plates, and sprinkle with chili flakes and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning ensures a better sear.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness, adjusting seasoning at the end.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- If preferred, skin-on salmon fillets can be used, just adjust searing time accordingly.
- Fresh parsley or dill can be added as garnish for extra freshness.
