Salmon Orzo

A cozy, bright skillet dinner that comes together fast — perfect for busy weeknights and dinner parties alike. This Salmon Orzo combines tender flakes of salmon with a creamy, lemony orzo and quick-cooked veggies for a weeknight winner.

introduction

Salmon Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes and always feels a little special. The flavors are fresh, the texture is silky, and it’s a great recipe for meal prep or impressing guests without stress. For an easy, comforting side that pairs beautifully, try our salmon and mashed potatoes for extra comfort on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Orzo

• Creamy, tangy sauce with bright lemon that balances rich salmon.
• Ready in roughly 30 minutes — weeknight-friendly.
• Great for meal prep: refrigerates and reheats well.
• Family-friendly flavors that please both kids and adults.
• Minimal cleanup when you use one skillet for cooking.

Ingredients Needed

Protein

• 1 lb salmon fillets

Pasta & Dairy

• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Veggies & Citrus

• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lemon, juiced

Aromatics & Seasoning

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and flake the salmon into pieces.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through.
5. Stir in the cooked orzo and flaked salmon. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions Salmon Orzo

Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. For a heartier plate, offer roasted potatoes or seasonal roasted veggies. If you want a classic comfort pairing, try a side like simple salmon and mashed potatoes pairing to round out the meal.

Tips for Success Salmon Orzo

• Don’t overcook the salmon — remove it a minute early as it will finish cooking in the skillet when mixed with the orzo.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or milk to loosen it.
• Taste and adjust lemon and salt at the end to keep the bright balance.
• For even cooking, bring salmon to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
• For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

For inspiration on complementary sides, see our salmon and mashed potatoes recipe for classic comfort pairings.

variation (if any)

• Swap spinach for arugula or baby kale for a peppery twist.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing garlic for extra depth — simmer briefly to reduce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking for best results.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free orzo or substitute with short gluten-free pasta; cooking times may vary.

Salmon Orzo

A creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender salmon, lemony orzo, and quick-cooked veggies, ready in about 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 1 lb salmon fillets

Pasta & Dairy

• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• to taste Parmesan cheese for serving

Veggies & Citrus

• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lemon, juiced

Aromatics & Seasoning

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil For cooking

Method

 

Cooking Orzo

1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cooking Salmon

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and flake the salmon into pieces.

Combining Ingredients

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add heavy cream, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through.
3. Stir in the cooked orzo and flaked salmon. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serving

1. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Don’t overcook the salmon — remove it a minute early as it will finish cooking in the skillet when mixed with the orzo. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or milk to loosen it. Taste and adjust lemon and salt at the end to keep the bright balance. For even cooking, bring salmon to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and finish with a squeeze of lemon.