If you’re craving a meal that feels both luxurious and effortlessly simple, then you absolutely must try this One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of flaky, herb-kissed salmon paired with silky, luscious orzo that’s infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs. Every bite bursts with vibrant flavors that taste like a restaurant dish but come together quickly enough for a weekday dinner. This recipe is all about maximizing flavor while minimizing fuss, making it a favorite in my kitchen and one I can’t wait for you to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic herbs on the salmon to the creamy richness in the orzo, these simple, everyday staples come together beautifully to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best flavor and texture; the skin crisps beautifully when seared.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create the perfect sear on the salmon.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the fish and pasta.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the salmon’s herb crust.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the salmon with classic Mediterranean herbal notes.
- Lemon zest: Offers fresh citrus brightness that ties the whole dish together.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that provides a creamy, comforting base for the salmon.
- Chicken broth: Used to cook the orzo for deep, savory undertones and more flavor than plain water.
- Butter: Enriches the orzo and adds a silky smooth mouthfeel.
- Heavy cream: The secret to the orzo’s luscious, creamy texture.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish for color and freshness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Balances the creaminess with zesty acidity, lifting the whole dish.
How to Make One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your salmon is perfectly seared on the stove, it can finish cooking gently in the oven, resulting in tender and flaky fish every time.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season your salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano on both sides. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a beautiful crust. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes to lock in flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Once both sides are seared, transfer the entire skillet to the oven and bake the salmon for 7-10 minutes. This gentle finish ensures the salmon is cooked through without drying out and allows those vibrant herb and lemon flavors to intensify.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
While your salmon bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Once tender, drain and set aside. This will be the creamy bed your salmon rests on.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Orzo
In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat before adding chicken broth and bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked orzo, then slowly mix in heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let everything marry over low heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is luxuriously creamy and velvety.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Plate the creamy orzo and top each portion with a perfectly baked salmon fillet. This final step makes the One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe an irresistible dish that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, add extra fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side. The bright lemon wedges invite guests to add a fresh burst of acidity, perfectly balancing the creamy orzo and rich salmon. A sprinkle of finely chopped herbs like dill or chives also adds dimension and a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
This One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides such as a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil. These sides provide contrast by offering crunch and bite, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, spoon the creamy orzo into shallow bowls and nestle the salmon fillet on top. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dusting of lemon zest over everything for an inviting sheen. Serve with rustic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce, making the experience even more indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and orzo in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the salmon from drying out, it’s best to keep it separate from the orzo. This way, the orzo stays creamy, and the salmon maintains its tender texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the orzo separately for up to a month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Salmon tends to lose its texture when frozen, so freezing the fish is not generally recommended for this recipe.
Reheating
Gently reheat the orzo in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive its creamy consistency. For the salmon, warm it in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) wrapped loosely in foil until heated through, which helps retain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! While salmon shines in this recipe due to its rich flavor and firm texture, you can substitute with trout, cod, or halibut. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary according to the fish’s thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. This will keep the orzo creamy while accommodating dairy-free preferences.
Can I prepare the lemon herb salmon and orzo entirely in one skillet?
This recipe uses one skillet for the salmon and a separate pan for the orzo to ensure each component is cooked perfectly. However, if you’re up for a little multitasking, the orzo can be cooked in the same skillet after removing the salmon, just be sure to wipe out any burnt bits for a smooth sauce.
What type of orzo is best for this recipe?
Regular dried orzo pasta works great here. It’s important to not overcook the orzo to keep the al dente bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and flaky salmon.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes into the orzo just before serving. Vegetables add a fresh pop of color and boost the nutritional value of this already wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
This One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can produce a meal full of bright, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special or for impressing guests without stress. I encourage you to give it a try—you may find it quickly becomes a go-to favorite on your dinner rotation!
Print
One Skillet Lemon Herb Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines perfectly seared salmon with creamy, zesty lemon orzo pasta. The salmon is seasoned and seared to lock in flavor before finishing in the oven, while the orzo is cooked separately and combined with butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a bright and comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Orzo Pasta
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon fillets.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat to get ready for searing the salmon.
- Heat Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up for about 1 minute to ensure the salmon won’t stick.
- Season Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano for full flavor.
- Sear Salmon Skin Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear without moving for about 3-4 minutes to develop a crispy crust.
- Flip and Sear Other Side: Flip the salmon fillets carefully and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Bake Salmon: Transfer the skillet with the salmon to the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through to your liking.
- Boil Water: While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil in preparation for cooking the orzo pasta.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes, until tender.
- Drain Orzo: Once cooked, drain the orzo pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base for the creamy orzo sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken broth to the melted butter and bring it to a gentle simmer, infusing flavor into the orzo.
- Combine Orzo and Broth: Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the broth.
- Mix in Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the sauce is creamy and the flavors meld together.
- Simmer and Heat Through: Lower the heat to low and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the orzo mixture is heated through and perfectly creamy.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley to add freshness and color.
- Check Salmon Doneness: Verify the salmon in the oven is cooked through, then carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
- Serve: Plate the creamy lemon orzo and top with the baked salmon fillets.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges as desired to brighten the presentation.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adding fresh lemon zest at the end enhances the bright citrus flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
