Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo & Salmon: A Restaurant-Worthy Meal at Home

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo & Salmon is a quick, restaurant-quality meal packed with bold flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Looking for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo & Salmon recipe is packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and fresh ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

• Rich & Creamy: The orzo is infused with garlic, butter, and cream for a velvety texture.

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs complement the salmon beautifully.

• One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes, more convenience!

Breaking Down the Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps to create a crispy sear on the salmon.

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tangy depth of flavor.

• ½ lemon, juiced – Enhances freshness and balances the richness.

• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Provides a hint of smoky warmth.

• ½ tsp garlic powder – Complements the fresh garlic in the orzo.

• 2 salmon portions – Fresh, high-quality salmon is key for a flavorful dish.

• Salt & pepper to taste – Enhances the overall flavor profile.

For the Orzo:

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Used to sauté the garlic and rosemary.

• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced – Loads of garlicky goodness for depth of flavor.

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped – Adds an earthy, aromatic note.

• 1 chicken bouillon cube – Enhances the umami richness of the broth.

• 1 cup orzo – A small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.

• 2.5 cups water – Just enough to cook the orzo to perfection.

• ½ cup heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.

• ½ stick butter – Adds richness and silkiness to the dish.

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper – Gives a subtle heat without overpowering.

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Brings a pop of color and freshness.

• ½ cup Gouda, shredded (Optional) – Adds a mild, smoky creaminess.

• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano (Optional) – A sharp, nutty contrast.

• Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.

• ½ lemon, juiced – Brightens the dish and balances the richness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate & Cook the Salmon

1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Pour the marinade over the salmon portions, ensuring they’re well coated. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Let the salmon marinate for at least 10 minutes.

4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

5. Place the salmon in the pan and cook until it’s about 80% cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

6. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Orzo

1. In the same pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and rosemary for about 1 minute.

2. Stir in the orzo, coating it in the garlic and rosemary-infused oil.

3. Add the chicken bouillon cube and pour in 2.5 cups of water.

4. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is al dente.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in heavy cream, butter, crushed red pepper, and fresh parsley.

2. If you’re adding cheese, stir in Gouda and Pecorino Romano until melted and fully incorporated.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. If you prefer a saucier consistency, add a bit more water or cream.

4. Finish Cooking the Salmon

1. Nestle the cooked salmon portions back into the pan, pressing them slightly into the orzo.

2. Squeeze half a lemon over the dish.

3. Cover and let everything cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the salmon to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.

4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve immediately while hot.

• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Salmon – Fresh salmon makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

2. Let the Orzo Rest – After cooking, let the orzo sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

3. Don’t Overcook the Salmon – Removing it from the pan while slightly underdone prevents it from drying out.

4. Adjust Creaminess to Your Preference – Add more cream or cheese for a richer dish, or keep it light with extra lemon juice.

5. Experiment with Herbs – Swap rosemary for thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo & Salmon

• Roasted Asparagus – A light, crispy side that pairs beautifully.

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

• Crisp White Wine – A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish’s flavors.

• Simple Green Salad – Adds a refreshing contrast.

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make salmon dish, this recipe is a must-try! The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates an unforgettable flavor, while the creamy orzo makes it feel indulgent without being too heavy.

Yield: 2

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo & Salmon

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo & Salmon is a quick, restaurant-quality meal packed with bold flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Cook time: 25 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 salmon portions
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Orzo

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 cup orzo
• 2.5 cups water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ stick butter
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup Gouda, shredded (Optional)
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano (Optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ lemon, juiced

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Pour the marinade over the salmon portions, ensuring they’re well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Let the salmon marinate for at least 10 minutes.
4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Place the salmon in the pan and cook until it’s about 80% cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
7. In the same pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and rosemary for about 1 minute.
8. Stir in the orzo, coating it in the garlic and rosemary-infused oil.
9. Add the chicken bouillon cube and pour in 2.5 cups of water.
10. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon and bring the mixture to a simmer.
11. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is al dente.
12. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in heavy cream, butter, crushed red pepper, and fresh parsley.
13. If you’re adding cheese, stir in Gouda and Pecorino Romano until melted and fully incorporated.
14. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
15. If you prefer a saucier consistency, add a bit more water or cream.
16. Nestle the cooked salmon portions back into the pan, pressing them slightly into the orzo.
17. Squeeze half a lemon over the dish.
18. Cover and let everything cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the salmon to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
19. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
20. Serve immediately while hot.
21. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Salmon – Fresh salmon makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
2. Let the Orzo Rest – After cooking, let the orzo sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
3. Don’t Overcook the Salmon – Removing it from the pan while slightly underdone prevents it from drying out.
4. Adjust Creaminess to Your Preference – Add more cream or cheese for a richer dish, or keep it light with extra lemon juice.
5. Experiment with Herbs – Swap rosemary for thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

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