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One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon with Orzo served in a skillet with vibrant colors and fresh herbs.

Lemon Herb Salmon with Orzo

A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring flaky salmon and creamy orzo infused with lemon and herbs – perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets Salmon fillets Skin on or off, both work
  • 1 cup Orzo Tiny pasta, can swap with ditalini or rice if needed
  • 1 each Lemon Zest and juice are both needed
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Optional, adds richness
  • 2 cups Chicken broth Or veggie broth
  • 1/4 cup Fresh herbs Chopped parsley and dill or any herbs you prefer
  • to taste Salt Adjust based on broth saltiness
  • to taste Black pepper
Optional Extras
  • 1 cup Spinach Stir in at the end for extra veggies
  • 1 cup Peas Add in the last few minutes
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Optional for added sweetness
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Grated, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the salmon dry, then season it with salt, pepper, and a little chopped herbs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (with a lid if possible).
Cooking
  1. Sear the salmon for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until it gets some color. Then move it to a plate.
  2. In the same pan, add a bit more oil or a small spoon of butter. Add garlic and stir for about 20 seconds.
  3. Add the orzo and stir for a minute to ensure it gets coated and lightly toasted.
  4. Pour in the broth, then add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift the tasty bits.
  5. Let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Lower the heat, nestle the salmon back on top, cover, and cook a few more minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
  7. Finish with more herbs and lemon juice to taste. Optionally, add a little parmesan on the orzo.

Notes

Do not overcook the salmon and adjust the seasoning based on your broth’s saltiness. For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream or Greek yogurt to the orzo at the end.