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This creamy Lemon Salmon Orzo is a one-pot dinner packed with fresh, vibrant flavor. Flaky salmon, tender orzo, and spinach come together in a lemony garlic cream sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
I love making this when I want something cozy but still light. The lemon keeps it bright, and the orzo soaks up all that rich, creamy goodness. It’s a dish that feels special, without the fuss.
What is Orzo?
Orzo is a small pasta shaped like grains of rice. It’s often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes and is perfect for soups, pasta salads, or creamy mains like this one.
If you love this recipe, try my other recipes, like Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Salmon Orzo
- It’s Easy– Looking for an easy weeknight dinner idea? Try this recipe, which has minimal ingredients and is perfect for everyone.
- It’s packed with flavor– This dish is a perfect blend of cheese, cream, and richness. It features garlic, shallots, white wine, and butter – some of the best ingredients in the world!
- It’s a crowd pleaser– even the pickiest of eaters will love this dish! This delicious family-friendly meal is sure to please anyone!
Ingredients You Need
This creamy lemon salmon orzo is made with simple ingredients that work together beautifully.
- Salmon: Use your favorite cut—skinless or skin-on works.
- Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness and balance.
- Garlic & Shallots: A flavorful base for the sauce.
- White Wine: Adds depth and richness. (See FAQ below for substitutions.)
- Chicken Broth: Helps cook the orzo while adding savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, cheesy finish.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Used for searing and building the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: To season each layer of the dish.
FAQ For Creamy Lemon Orzo
What can I substitute the white wine for?
Use extra chicken broth or cooking wine with low alcohol content.
What Pot do I use for this recipe?
A large, shallow Dutch oven or cast iron skillet is best. I like this affordable 3 qt Dutch Oven from Amazon.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! Cod, halibut, or even tilapia works. Adjust cook time for thickness.
Can I use chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use chicken for this recipe. I recommend using bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor.
Lemon Creamy Salmon Orzo
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 pieces Salmon
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 20 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 tbsps butter
- ¼ cup garlic minced
- ¼ cup shallot minced
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2½ cups chicken broth add more if needed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tso red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ lemon juiced
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with paprika, oil, salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Add a knob of butter, chopped shallot, and garlic in the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in white wine and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in orzo, and fully incorporate.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, and spices. Simmer and stir for 10 minutes until orzo softens, adding more broth if needed.
- Lower the heat to low heat, add the salmon pieces back in, and cook for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe is so impressive and so easy!! Absolutely delicious, thank you!
– Sunshine Coast, Australia
I do not see the amount of spinach to add for this recipe, would love to try to tonight.
Hi, 1 cup 🙂
Your recipes are so flavorful. This was a great dinner for hubby and me and makes for a great, healthy lunch for tomorrow. I used a bit of thyme in place of Italian seasoning, and I only had a quarter cup of cream, was still fine.
I made it last night and it was delicious. The only problem was no mention of how much spinach or not even listed in the ingredients.
This is so delicious! I’ve made it 3 times so far and it is always a hit. I have to alter the ratio of orzo to broth: I use 8 oz (half a box) of dry orzo with almost 32 oz broth or homemade chicken stock. This recipes also works great with a few pieces of the vacuum packed salmon from Honey Smoked Fish Co if I am in a rush—just skip the beginning and start with step 4.
Sooo delicious! My orzo took on a ton of broth, and it was so flavorful! I subbed shallots for carmelized onion cubes, and parm for sharp white cheddar. Highly recommend this dish for a fancy yet easy dinner in.
This was amazing!! We used almond milk instead of heavy cream and it was chefs KISS!
Phenomenal,. Easy. Quick. Fantastic way to work some fish into a busy family diet. My kid even liked it. Thank you. 🙏
I made this recipe for my family, and they all really enjoyed it!
This was such a great recipe! I just added sun dried tomatoes & used low fat milk instead. Still came out super good
Also I think you meant lemon zest 1TBSP..? Thanks for sharing!