One Pan Salmon Orzo With Artichokes & Zucchini

Name: One Pan Salmon Orzo With Artichokes & Zucchini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 salmon fillets (skin on or off); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup zucchini (chopped); 1 cup artichoke hearts (chopped); 2/3 cup shallot or onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 cups orzo pasta; 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Or use additional chicken stock in place of wine.); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon kosher salt ( more to taste); 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish (freshly grated)

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This One Pan Creamy Lemon Salmon Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It's ready in just 30 minutes! With flaky salmon fillets, tender orzo, and a luscious lemony sauce, this dish is packed with bright Mediterranean flavors. The best part? Everything cooks in just one pan for easy cleanup!

A cast iron skillet holding Salmon Orzo, garnished with parmesan cheese and chives, a grey linen napkin on the handle. A shallow bowl holding a serving of salmon and pasta with forks sit beside the skillet. Grey napkins surround the pan.

If you haven't noticed, I make salmon often! I aim to feed my family seafood at least twice a week, and I have one kid who never complains about salmon or shrimp. Other types of seafood can sometimes be a battle, but salmon and shrimp are tried-and-true winners in our house, so I keep them in regular rotation.

One of the best things about salmon and shrimp is their availability and affordability when you shop smart. I always keep an eye out for sales-typically, I can find a good deal once every month or two. When I do, I stock up and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals.

Another huge bonus? Salmon thaws and cooks incredibly fast! There's nothing better than having a healthy, delicious protein ready in minutes, especially when it's made as a one-pan dish. This salmon orzo recipe is simple and not too heavy, even though it's pasta. The lemony orzo is so creamy and delicious! Minimal effort, maximum flavor-YES, PLEASE!

If you are looking for more delicious seafood dinner ideas, try these! Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon Bowls, Salmon Patties with Remoulade, Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole, or One Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Rice.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Highlights for Salmon & Orzo
Instructions for One Pan Salmon Orzo
Tips for Best One Pan Orzo
Tips for One-Pan Salmon
Variations & Special Diet Adjustments
Equipment You'll Need
Storage & Reheating
Top Tips
FAQ
Recent Recipes:
Recipe
Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One pan wonder in 30 minutes - Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Fast & easy - Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
Healthy & balanced - Loaded with omega-3-rich salmon, fiber-filled zucchini, and nutritious artichokes.
Creamy yet light - A luscious sauce without being overly heavy.
Customizable - Easily adapts to dietary needs or preferences.
Perfect for meal prep - Great for leftovers and easy reheating.

Ingredient Highlights for Salmon & Orzo

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes. It absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks quickly, making it perfect for one-pan meals.

Ingredients for One Pan Salmon Orzo labeled in various bowls and containers on a white marble background.

Salmon Fillets - Rich in omega-3s, this fish stays moist and flavorful in the creamy sauce. There are a variety of types of salmon available in grocery stores or at the fishmonger. Here is a helpful salmon guide from Food and Wine to explain all the options, from sockeye salmon to coho. And this quick video shows how to portion a salmon side. This is how I buy all my salmon. It's much less expensive to portion it yourself, and it couldn't be more simple. I leave the skin on, but if you prefer a skinless salmon fillet, that's fantastic in this recipe.
Orzo Pasta - Orzo absorbs the creamy lemon sauce and adds a satisfying texture. If you use whole wheat orzo, you'll need to adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer.
Artichoke Hearts - Briny and tender, they complement the creaminess of the dish. Use marinated jarred artichoke hearts or frozen and thawed artichoke hearts. I prefer marinated artichokes for the additional flavor.
Zucchini - A mild, slightly sweet vegetable that adds freshness and fiber.
Dijon Mustard & Lemon Juice - Adds brightness and enhances the flavor of the salmon.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Fresh Garlic & Shallots - Create a flavorful aromatic base. First, you'll season the salmon, then the orzo as it cooks. Onions are a fine to use in place of the shallot.
Heavy Cream - Adds creaminess to the sauce without making it too heavy. Greek Yogurt is a good replacement for heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese - Enhances the umami flavor and thickens the sauce. Because I use it so frequently, I always have a big wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano. Costco is the best deal I've found for authentic parm with DOP designation.
Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock - Adds depth of flavor while cooking the orzo.
Chives, Parsely, Lemon Zest & Extra Parmesan - Optional for garnishes.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions for One Pan Salmon Orzo

Salmon fillets seasoned on a plate, ready to be cooked.

Step 1: Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and season with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil or unsalted butter, if you prefer. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove salmon from the pan, cover, and set aside.

Seared salmon fillets in a cast iron skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil or unsalted butter, if you prefer. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove salmon from the pan, cover, and set aside.

Shallot, zucchini and artichokes sautéing in a skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables: In the same pan, add shallots, zucchini, and artichokes, sautéing until fragrant and shallots are translucent. Season with dill, salt & pepper. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Toasting the orzo pasta in the skillet with the sauteed vegetables.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for two minutes, stirring constantly so the pasta doesn't burn. Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, scraping up the bottom of the pan, and let it cook down for 3 to 4 minutes until the wine is mostly reduced.

A cast iron skillet holding cooked orzo and vegetables with chicken stock added.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Pour in chicken stock. Let the orzo simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

A finished cast iron skillet of Salmon & Orzo on a white marble background.

Step 6: Finish Cooking, Garnish, & Serve: On low heat, return the salmon to the pan, cover, and let it warm through for 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese, chopped chives, lemon zest, and/or parsley.

Tips for Best One Pan Orzo

Toast the orzo pasta - Adds a nutty depth of flavor.
Stir occasionally - Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Add broth gradually - Like risotto, this helps control texture.
Use white wine - Deglazes the pan and adds a gourmet touch.

A closeup of salmon and orzo in a cast iron skillet.

Tips for One-Pan Salmon

Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor.
Don't overcook - Salmon should be opaque with a slight flakiness. Cook 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on your fillet's thickness.
Pat dry before searing - This ensures a golden crust.

Variations & Special Diet Adjustments

Add More Veggies - Stir in fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Swap the Protein - Use shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of salmon.
Make It Spicy - Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Dairy-Free - Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan.
Try a Different Grain - Substitute orzo with farro, quinoa, or couscous for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free - Use gluten-free orzo pasta or rice.
Low-Carb - Substitute orzo pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Equipment You'll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon
Microplane (for zesting lemon)
Chef's knife

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock or vegetable broth to prevent drying out.

A closeup on a shallow blue and white stoneware bowl holding One Pan Salmon Orzo. A fork resting in the bowl. Another bowl partially out of frame at the bottom and the skillet near the top.

Top Tips

Let the salmon come to room temperature before cooking - This helps it cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. Cover it while preparing the orzo so that it retains its moisture when added back to the pan.

FAQ

Can I substitute another fish for salmon?

Yes! Trout, cod, or halibut work well as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best fresh, but you can reheat it gently with a splash of chicken stock.

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