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Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Orzo (One-Pot, 30 Minutes)

ByJessica Loizzo Updated on

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Creamy lemon dill salmon orzo is one of those dinners that feels a little fresh and cozy at the same time. Tender salmon gets served over creamy Parmesan orzo with spinach, fresh dill, and lemon, all made in one pan in about 30 minutes. I love recipes like this during the spring and summer because they’re simple, filling, and packed with fresh flavor without requiring a ton of effort. If you’ve been looking for an easy salmon dinner that feels homemade but realistic for a weeknight, this one is definitely worth making.

Delicious seared salmon served over creamy orzo with fresh dill and lemon wedges, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.

This One Just Works & Here’s Why

I really love meals like this because they check all the boxes for me. You’ve got your protein, your carb, and your vegetables all in one pan, which keeps dinner simple and straightforward. Less dishes, less mess, and dinner feels complete without needing three extra side dishes floating around the kitchen.

The flavor in this recipe is what surprised me the most. The salmon gets lightly seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then everything gets finished with fresh dill and lemon at the end. It tastes fresh without being fussy. The creamy orzo almost acts like a risotto situation, but without standing over the stove stirring forever, and the spinach melts right into the sauce.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. If salmon isn’t your thing or maybe it’s just not in the budget this week, this would be great with chicken thighs, chicken breast, or even shrimp. The creamy lemon dill base works with so many different proteins. That’s usually how I decide if a recipe is worth keeping around long term. Can it flex with real life a little bit?

If you enjoy recipes like my Sheet Pan BBQ Salmon or my other quick and easy salmon dinners, this is another really good one to keep in rotation because it has the same simple, family-friendly feel while giving you a completely different flavor profile. It also reminds me a little of my One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Broccoli because the orzo turns into this creamy, cozy base that makes dinner feel comforting without being heavy.

A Few Things to Note:

One thing that really helps keep this recipe truly 30 minutes is prepping everything ahead of time. Dice the shallot, mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan, chop the dill, and zest the lemon before you start cooking. Orzo cooks quickly and things move fast once the skillet gets going.

Also, if salmon sticking to the pan has personally offended you in the past, here’s what helps me: make sure the salmon is dry before seasoning it, simply pat it with a paper towel. Also, let the oil get hot before adding it to the skillet – wait about 3 minutes before adding the salmon. Lastly, don’t try to flip it too early. Once it’s ready, the salmon will naturally release from the pan much easier.

Alright, let’s make dinner.

Ingredients and Instructions

Please note that these pictures are meant to provide a helpful visual overview of the recipe. Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Fresh salmon fillets with rice, greens, and seasonings on a light countertop, ready for cooking a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients: Salmon filets, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, olive oil, fresh garlic, shallot, orzo, chicken stock, cream or milk, spinach, fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese.
Two seasoned salmon fillets cooking in a blue skillet with olive oil, on a light textured surface, showcasing fresh seafood preparation.
Season the salmon with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Preheat your pan by placing it over medium high heat for a few minutes. Add the oil and sear the salmon for 5 minutes then flip and sear for an additional 3-5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove to plate.
Close-up of garlic butter sauce simmering in a blue pot, with a wooden spoon stirring the mixture, on a light textured surface.
To the pan, add shallot and sauté for a few minutes.
Cooking garlic and butter in a skillet for a creamy garlic butter sauce, with a hand adding minced garlic.
Next, add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Saffron-infused pasta cooking in a blue skillet with a wooden spoon, showcasing a vibrant yellow color and creamy texture, perfect for gourmet dishes and culinary presentation.
Add the orzo and toast for a few minutes.
Cooking creamy chicken and rice in a blue skillet with broth being poured in, showcasing a delicious and hearty meal preparation.
Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cooking creamy pasta in a large blue pot with a wooden spoon, on a light-colored countertop, showcasing a delicious and comforting homemade meal.
Stir the orzo a few times while cooking to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Delicious homemade rice pudding being prepared on the stove, with milk added to the simmering rice. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking comfort food recipes.
Once the orzo has absorbed most of the chicken stock, stir in the cream.
Fresh spinach being added to a creamy cheese and pasta dish in a blue pot, highlighting healthy ingredients and delicious comfort food.
Add the spinach.
Cooking creamy spinach and cheese pasta in a blue skillet, with grated cheese being added from a small bowl, on a light countertop.
Add the parmesan cheese. Stir until the the spinach has wilted.
Cooking a creamy spinach and herb chicken dish in a skillet, with fresh herbs and greens being added for flavor and nutrition.
Lastly, add the lemon zest, lemon juice and fresh dill.
Delicious salmon piccata served with lemon slices, creamy mashed potatoes, and fresh herbs on a rustic table setting. Perfect for a flavorful, healthy dinner.
Spoon the orzo onto a plate and top with the seared salmon. Serve with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!

One Last Thing from Jess

And there you have it! This is exactly the type of dinner I come back to over and over again. Simple ingredients, one pan, lots of flavor, and enough flexibility to work with whatever protein you have hanging around in the fridge. If you make this creamy lemon dill salmon orzo, I’d love to hear what you think. You can also follow along over on Instagram and Facebook where I’m usually sharing what’s cooking in my kitchen that week.

Yield: 5

Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Orzo (One-Pot, 30 Minutes)

Delicious seared salmon served over creamy orzo with fresh dill and lemon wedges, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Tender salmon fillets served over creamy lemon dill orzo with spinach, Parmesan, and a bright fresh finish. This one-pot salmon dinner is simple, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 2 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 1½ pounds salmon fillets (4–5 fillets)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Orzo

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced
  • (or ¼ cup diced yellow onion)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups dry orzo
  • 3 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra dill
  • Extra Parmesan

Instructions

    1. Pat 1½ pounds salmon dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly over the salmon fillets.
    2. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the salmon skin-side down (if it's still on) and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate, leaving the flavorful bits in the pan.
    3. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add 1 small diced shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
    4. Add 1½ cups dry orzo to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.
    5. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
    6. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
    7. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh dill, the zest of ½ lemon, and the juice of ½ lemon. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
    8. Place the seared salmon on top of the creamy orzo and let it warm for 1–2 minutes before serving.
    9. Garnish with extra dill, Parmesan, or lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

5

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 715Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 14gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 1519mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 46g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated. Use as an approximation only.

Did you make this recipe?

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© Jessica Loizzo
Category: 30-Minute Dinners

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