By Foodie Moodie • Jump to Recipe • Print Recipe

Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon

⏱️ Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 25 min

🕒 Total: 40 min

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 3

Enjoy a rich and creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo topped with perfectly cooked salmon. Flavored with fresh herbs, Gouda, and Parmesan, this dish is elegant, quick, and full of zest.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Creamy, cheesy orzo with fresh herbs
• ✅ Perfectly cooked salmon on top
• ✅ Quick, elegant, and full of bright lemon flavor
• ✅ Easy weeknight dinner or special occasion dish

💡 Cooking Tips

• Do not overcook the salmon; it will finish cooking on the orzo.
• Add extra water or cream if you prefer a saucier orzo.
• Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a chilled glass of white wine for a restaurant-style meal.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess.

🔄 Variations

• Swap salmon for shrimp or chicken for a different protein.
• Add roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
• Use light cream or milk for a lighter version.

❓ FAQs

• Can I prepare the orzo ahead of time? Yes, cook orzo and reheat gently with cream and butter.
• What if I don’t have Gouda? You can use cheddar or fontina as alternatives.
• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

📝 Ingredients

Salmon

• 3 salmon portions
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 of a lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Orzo

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 cup orzo
• 2.5 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1/4 cup water (if needed)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup Gouda (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan/Pecorino Romano
• Salt & pepper & white pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 of a lemon juice

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Mix olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
2. Pour marinade over salmon portions, season with salt and pepper, and marinate 10 min.
3. Heat pan over medium-high heat with olive oil, cook salmon 3-4 min per side until 80% done. Set aside.
4. Add olive oil to same pan, sauté garlic and rosemary 1 min until fragrant.
5. Add orzo, stir to coat with garlic and rosemary.
6. Add chicken bouillon cube and water, stir, simmer, cover, cook 8-10 min until orzo is al dente.
7. Stir in heavy cream, butter, red pepper flakes, parsley. Add extra water if needed. Add Gouda and Parmesan, adjust seasoning.
8. Place salmon portions on top of orzo, squeeze lemon over everything.
9. Cover and cook 1-2 min until salmon finishes cooking.
10. Serve immediately, garnish with parsley and lemon slices.

📊 Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: ~520 | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 25g