Creamy Lemon Salmon Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Salmon Orzo is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender salmon with rich, lemony pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with delicious ingredients that come together effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon filets (skin on or off)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 20 ounces orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup minced garlic
• ¼ cup minced shallot
• ¼ cup white wine
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 ½ to 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the salmon filets with paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, enough to lightly coat the bottom.
3. Step 3: When the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the salmon from the pan, keeping any juices inside, and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add butter, minced shallot, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
5. Step 5: Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir until fully combined with the garlic and shallots.
7. Step 7: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt until well mixed. Add the baby spinach and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. Add more broth if necessary.
8. Step 8: Return the salmon and any accumulated juices to the pan. Lower heat to low and cook everything together for 6 to 8 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ensure pasta is fully cooked.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a pescatarian option.
• If you prefer, swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving at high heat as cream-based sauces can separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon fully and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even browning and prevent excess moisture.

What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have any?

You can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, couscous, or even quinoa as an alternative, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Creamy Lemon Salmon Orzo Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 754 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy lemon salmon orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish, combining perfectly seared salmon fillets with tender orzo pasta in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce infused with fresh spinach and zesty lemon. Easy to prepare and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances rich, savory flavors with a hint of brightness from lemon and Italian seasoning.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Sauce

• 20 ounces orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup minced garlic
• ¼ cup minced shallot
• ¼ cup white wine
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 ½ to 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt

---

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets and season both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the bottom.
3. Sear the Salmon: Once the oil is hot, add salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet along with any juices and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, minced shallot, and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and allow it to reduce for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Add Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta until fully coated and combined with the aromatics and wine reduction.
7. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour 2 ½ cups chicken broth into the skillet, then add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
8. Add Spinach and Simmer: Fold in the fresh baby spinach and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. Add more broth as needed if the mixture becomes too thick.
9. Reintroduce Salmon and Finish Cooking: Add any reserved salmon juices back to the skillet. Lower heat to low and gently nestle the cooked salmon fillets back into the orzo. Cook together for 6 to 8 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ensure pasta is fully tender.

Notes

• Use skin-on salmon if you prefer a crispier texture on the skin side, or skinless for easier serving.
• If you don’t have white wine, substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt added at the end off heat.
• Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: salmon orzo, creamy pasta with salmon, lemon salmon recipe, quick dinner, one pan meal, garlic parmesan orzo