This super easy pan seared salmon with orzo and asparagus is so delicious, simple, and great for weeknights. Perfectly seasoned salmon filets paired with saucy, cheesy, and flavorful orzo and asparagus!

salmon with orzo and asparagus on white plate

So…there’s an interesting story behind the development of this new recipe.

You see, I only just recently started eating salmon. Gasp. Yes, it’s true. I never could stand the smell of fish and that’s basically what always turned me off from eating it myself. I would make it for other people all the time but just stuck to my good ole chicken, beef, and pork. A few months ago, I was making a rather large amount for some of my peeps and was playfully encouraged to try it. Long story short, I did. And it turns out that salmon wasn’t as bad as I conjured it up to be in my head. Needless to say, ya girl is hooked!

large pan with salmon and orzo and asparagus with small white plate

In case you’re new around these parts, this is my very first salmon recipe to hit the site! It’s the only fish I’ve consumed so far so I’ll keep ya posted if I end up trying anything else in the future, ha! All in all, the saying is indeed true; “don’t knock it ’til you try it.” And this pan seared salmon with orzo and asparagus is something else y’all! It has been on repeat in my household left and right. And I’m extra excited to share it with you too.

About This Pan Seared Salmon Recipe

  • It all comes beautifully together in ONE PAN…and in under an hour!
  • Paired with an orzo, asparagus, and creamy parmesan cheese base.
  • Heaps of flavor from garlic, white wine, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice.
  • This dish will make for such a great and easy weeknight meal!
pan seared salmon with orzo and asparagus in gray skillet

How To Make This Pan Seared Salmon Recipe (Video)

(Note: the full recipe/ingredients notes, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card, directly below.)

  1. In a large skillet, pan sear salmon on both sides and then transfer to a plate.
  2. Add butter, garlic, and orzo to skillet and allow orzo to get toasty for a few minutes.
  3. Then add in white wine, broth, lemon juice, and give pan a good stir.
  4. Add in asparagus and let cook, then add in freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  5. Lastly, add pan seared salmon back into skillet and transfer to oven to let salmon finish cooking.
salmon on top of orzo and asparagus on white plate

Can I Substitute The Salmon?

Yes! I’d recommend replacing the salmon with chicken as it will work best, but feel free to use any other choice of protein! Just be sure to adjust your cooking time to accommodate whatever you may choose.

What Is Orzo Anyways?

Great question! Orzo is actually a short-cut form of pasta. Yup, it is pasta. Many people think it is actually rice because it is shaped like a long grain of rice. It can also be cooked in the same way as rice too. Use orzo as a side or in a variety of dishes; it’s great in pasta salads, soups, and much more!

Not Feeling The Asparagus?

I feel you, no biggie. Asparagus substitutes that work well alongside this pan seared salmon include green beans or green peas. And fresh or frozen vegetables are good.

Woot woot…I hope you all enjoy this pan seared salmon recipe, it’s my fave! ☺️

REMEMBER TO LEAVE A ⭐️STAR RATING⭐️AND TAG ME ON THE ‘GRAM IF YOU MAKE ANY OF MY RECIPES! I ALWAYS LOVE TO SEE IT WHEN YOU DO!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…LOVE AND BUTTER,

Q.

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salmon on top of orzo and asparagus on white plate

Pan Seared Salmon With Orzo And Asparagus (With Video!)

★★★★★ 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Quin Liburd
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Stovetop, Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This super easy pan seared salmon with orzo and asparagus is so delicious, simple, and great for weeknights. Perfectly seasoned salmon filets paired with saucy, cheesy, and flavorful orzo and asparagus!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3–4 salmon filets
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 cup dried orzo
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 lb asparagus, roughly chopped into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • cajun blackening seasoning, for salmon filets

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season the salmon generously with cajun blackening seasoning and let sit to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a large oven safe, cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When oil is hot, sear salmon on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Salmon will continue cooking in the oven. Then transfer all salmon filets to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add butter, garlic, and orzo into same skillet and cook until garlic is fragrant and orzo is lightly toasted, about 1-2 minutes. Deglaze pan by adding in white wine and stir well. Then add in broth and lemon juice and continue stirring to fully incorporate. Allow mixture to come to a slight boil by increasing heat to medium-high.
  4. Add in chopped asparagus pieces and stir. Next, add parmesan cheese and stir again.
  5. Lastly, add salmon filets and any juices back into skillet on top of orzo mixture and transfer to oven. Let cook for an additional 20-30 minutes or until salmon is cooked through completely.
  6. Garnish with more parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, and scallions, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. If you cannot find cajun blackening seasoning, use salt/pepper/paprika.

Keywords: salmon, orzo, asparagus, weeknight, one pan