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Pan-seared salmon with creamy lemon orzo, garnished with parsley and lemon slices in a skillet.

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon Orzo

Transform your dinner routine with this one-pot lemon garlic salmon orzo—a heart-healthy, flavorful dish that encapsulates a medley of fresh flavors and simple ingredients. This salmon orzo recipe promises to delight your taste buds while fitting perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Orzo, salmon
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 690kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 pieces salmon skin on or off
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Orzo

  • 2.5 cups orzo
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 3 tablespoon caramelized onions or half shallot diced
  • 6 large garlic cloves crushed
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • Lemon slices for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook the Salmon

  • Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
    Four seasoned salmon fillets on a black cutting board, ready for cooking in a kitchen.
  • In a large skillet over medium high heat, warm the olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up (if using skin-on), cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until each side is golden brown. I would normally cook skin side down first but I'm just looking to give it a little color and it will finish cooking in the orzo.
    Cooking salmon fillets in a non-stick pan, skin-side down, with tongs.
  • Remove the salmon and turn the heat to medium.
    Cooking salmon fillets in a pan with tongs, showing crisp and golden-brown texture. Perfect for a healthy meal.

Prepare the Orzo

  • Add in the butter and caramelized onions or shallots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant. Add minced garlic sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
    Stirring caramelized sugar in a pan with a wooden spoon for a delicious homemade dessert recipe.
  • Add the dry orzo and toast for 3-4 minutes.
    Toasting orzo pasta in a black skillet, wooden spoon stirring for a perfect golden texture.
  • Pour in the white wine, let it simmer until reduced by half. Then stir in the chicken broth.
    Cooking orzo pasta in a pot with a wooden spatula and boiling water, emitting steam from the simmering dish.
  • Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking on medium heat.
    Adding spices to creamy soup in a pan, enhancing flavor with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and seasonings.
  • Add in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
    Cream being poured into a pot of simmering soup or stew, creating a swirl pattern.
  • Cover and stir frequently until the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes.
    Person lifting lid off a pot of creamy soup in a kitchen setting.

Combine and Finish

  • Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the Parmesan cheese and combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    Cooking creamy orzo pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese in a black pan.
  • Add the salmon back in. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and salmon finish cooking.
    Chef plating grilled salmon over creamy orzo in a kitchen setting.

Serve

  • Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh herbs, and lemon slices. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra splash of citrus.
    Grilled salmon on creamy orzo with lemon slices and parsley garnish.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1919mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1157IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 2mg