Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus

Name: Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Salmon and Asparagus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound center cut salmon, fat trimmed, then cut into 4 equal size pieces; 1 bundle asparagus, ends trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 shallot, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/4 cup half & half (or a splash of heavy cream); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 lemon, zested; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill; 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Creamy lemon parmesan orzo with salmon and asparagus is a beautiful, nourishing and simple spring dinner! Make this complete meal in just 30 minutes.

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Oh, do I love this meal!

If there’s a dinner that simply radiates spring, it’s this one. A creamy and bright base of orzo bursting with lemon, parmesan and dill; a pile of roasted and slightly charred asparagus; perfectly cooked salmon chunks. It feels balanced and even a little sophisticated but goes from start to finish in 30 minutes.

This is a great Sunday dinner for those days when everyone is happily playing outside and you haven’t thought about cooking once, then suddenly you realize it’s 5:00. I don’t know about you, but I really love a hearty and satisfying meal to start off the week on a healthful note. This might be your new favorite.

Here’s what you need to make it:

Ingredients

salmon – I prefer a center-cut piece, or you can also buy already cut filets
asparagus or any heartier vegetable since it will be roasted
olive oil & butter
shallots & garlic for flavor
orzo, which is a small rice-shaped pasta
vegetable broth
half & half (or heavy cream if that’s what you have)
parmesan cheese, always fresh-grated
more flavor: lemon, dill, salt

salmon, asparagus, orzo, shallot, lemon, dill, garlic, parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

For this meal, you’ll start by getting the salmon and asparagus in the oven. These all go on one sheet pan, are seasoned simply with olive oil, salt and pepper and then roasted for about 15 minutes.

While your oven components are roasting, you then cook the orzo similar to a risotto following these steps:

Sauté the orzo in some aromatics (shallots, garlic)
Add broth (half cup at a time), stirring frequently and letting the pasta soak up the liquid in between each addition. This step will take about 12-15 minutes, so is perfectly timed to finish at the same time as the salmon and asparagus.
Once all broth has been added and the last bit has been absorbed, you’ll finish by stirring in the half & half, parmesan, dill, lemon zest and salt. The cheese melts, the flavors really soak into the pasta. It’s lovely! Remove from heat.

creamy orzo in a skillet with salmon and asparagus on a sheet pan

I like to use a spoon or fork to break up the salmon in chunks before plating (see photo above), but you could totally leave the filets whole if you prefer.

How to Plate and Serve

To plate this meal, start by spooning some of the creamy lemon parmesan orzo into a shallow bowl, then top with asparagus and salmon chunks. Finish with a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with extra dill and lemon slices.

FAQs and Substitutions

How can I make this vegetarian?

You can leave the salmon off and I think this meal would still be satisfying due to the butter and cheese in the orzo. It’s kind of like an elevated mac & cheese. You would probably get more like 2-3 servings by serving this way.

The asparagus in the grocery store isn’t great right now. What else could I use?

I think zucchini would be great here too and it’s pretty reliable any time of year. Slice it in 1″ chunks (any thinner and it might get overcooked in the oven).

Can I sub rice for the orzo to make it gluten-free?

Yes, you definitely could! Use arborio rice (affiliate link) for an authentic risotto feel. I’m not sure on the cook time because I haven’t made it this way, but I’m guessing it would take about 15-20 minutes. Same method though. You might need more broth too, just keep tasting it as you go and cook until the rice is tender.

plates of creamy lemon parmesan orzo with salmon and asparagus with forks on the side

I really appreciate a recipe that involves all components. No need to think about sides with this one, it’s all here. I hope you give it a try!

3 More Spring Recipes to Love: