One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Orzo

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta

• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• Juice + zest of 1 lemon

• ½ cup grated parmesan

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or ½ cup peas

• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon slices

Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Salmon

1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, until crisp and golden.

4. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Orzo

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the orzo and toast it in the butter for about 1 minute.

4. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning.

5. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.

6. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and creamy.

7. Stir in parmesan (and spinach/peas if using).

3. Finish the Dish

1. Nestle the seared salmon fillets on top of the orzo.

2. Cover and cook 3–5 minutes until salmon is fully cooked and flavors meld.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley, parmesan, and thin lemon slices.

• Serve with a side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp salad.

Approximate Calories

About 540–620 calories per serving depending on salmon size and amount of cream/parmesan.