How to Make 30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for 30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo that’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a special occasion. This meal is all about bright flavors, creamy textures, and a one-pan wonder that will have you feeling like a pro chef. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—talk about a weeknight dinner idea that saves the day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings
• Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors from lemon, garlic, and herbs
• A creamy, indulgent orzo that’s surprisingly easy to make
• A healthy dinner option that feels fancy
• One pan means less cleanup—win-win!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious 30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo:

• 4 Salmon Fillets (skinless fillets about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing the salmon)
• Salt and Pepper (To taste)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder or Italian Seasoning (for seasoning salmon)
• 2 tbsp Butter (for sautéing)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 small Shallots (finely chopped)
• ¼ cup White Wine (for deglazing the pan)
• 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 ½ cups Orzo Pasta
• ½ cup Heavy Cream (for a creamy texture)
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (or to taste)
• 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (packed)
• ½ cup Diced Bell Peppers (for extra veggies)
• ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved (optional))
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest (optional)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish. It’s a breeze, I promise!

1. Season the Salmon: Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. This step ensures your salmon is flavorful from the get-go.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan and sear them for 2 minutes on each side. This will give them a crispy outside. Remove the salmon and set it aside—it’ll finish cooking later.
3. Make the Lemon Orzo: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Then, add ¼ cup of white wine to the pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Cook the Orzo: Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and the broth is absorbed.
5. Add Creamy Goodness: After the orzo is done, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This is where the dish becomes rich and creamy—you’ll love it!
6. Finish with Salmon and Veggies: Place the seared salmon fillets back in the skillet. Add the fresh spinach leaves, diced bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes (if using) and let them cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the salmon is cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the salmon, make sure there’s enough space in the skillet for all the fillets. Overcrowding can prevent them from searing properly.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or basil will elevate the dish. If you’re a fan of dill, it pairs beautifully with salmon and lemon.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orzo for a subtle kick.
• Customize to Your Taste: Want more veggies? Throw in some asparagus or zucchini along with the spinach.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill over the top and add a bit of lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness.
• Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad or a caprese salad with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella would complement the meal nicely.
• Garlic Bread: Because everything is better with garlic bread, right? Serve it on the side to mop up the creamy orzo sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

While this recipe is best made fresh, here’s how you can prep ahead or store leftovers:

• Make Ahead: Prepare the orzo and salmon separately up to a day in advance, then combine and reheat when ready.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Freezer: The orzo can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with a bit of cream to restore creaminess.

And there you have it—30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo that’s as delicious as it is easy. It’s perfect for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, and weeknight dinner ideas that impress. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite recipes like How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef and How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes for more creamy garlic pasta inspiration. Bon appétit, everyone!