One Pan Salmon Orzo With Artichokes & Zucchini
Enjoy this easy One Pan Salmon Orzo with Artichokes & Zucchini for a fresh and flavorful meal. The lemony cream sauce is light, delicious and it's ready in 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Microplane (for zesting lemon)
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Salmon
- 6 salmon fillets skin on or off
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Orzo
- 1 cup zucchini chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts chopped
- ⅔ cup shallot or onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish freshly grated
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 27gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 849mgPotassium: 654mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Nutrition Facts
One Pan Salmon Orzo With Artichokes & Zucchini
Amount per Serving
Calories
405
% Daily Value*
Fat
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
25
%
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
81
mg
27
%
Sodium
849
mg
37
%
Potassium
654
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
22
g
7
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
27
g
54
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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