One Pan Salmon and Orzo with Fresh Tomatoes

Made in a cast iron pan, this one pan salmon and orzo with fresh tomatoes comes together in 40 minutes and is perfect for the weeknight!

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in under 40 minutes, this one pan salmon and orzo pasta with fresh tomatoes and feta is going to be your new favorite. And I do actually mean that. My kids absolutely housed it!  Juicy, wild caught, salmon fillets are seared until the skin is crispy, paired with tender orzo pasta, lots of fresh spinach to add color and vegetables, and topped with sweet cherry tomatoes until everything becomes saucy and irresistible. A sprinkle of creamy feta cheese crumbles on top finishes it all off with a salty, tangy bite. I even added some freshly grated parmesan as well. 

The best part? It’s all made in one pan—whether you use an enameled cast iron braiser (like I did), a trusty cast iron skillet, or even a non-stick pan, this recipe works beautifully and leaves you with minimal cleanup.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Fast & Flavorful – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Cast Iron Friendly – Works in enameled cast iron, traditional cast iron skillets, or non-stick cookware.
• Balanced Meal – Protein-packed salmon, whole grain orzo, and fresh vegetables all in one.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets – Skin-on works best for searing. And yes, please use wild-caught for best results. I got mine salmon from Sena Sea. It is sustainabily caught Copper River Coho Salmon. 
• Orzo pasta – A small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes – Bursting with sweetness when cooked.
• Olive oil & butter – For searing and richness.
• Pesto – to spread on the salmon once it’s done cooking for extra flavor! You can skip this if you want too. But it was lovely!
• Garlic – Because pasta without garlic just isn’t right.
• Shallots – It’s a more subtle flavor that I just love.
• Lemon juice & zest – To brighten up the whole dish.
• White Wine – To deglaze the pan 
• Chicken or vegetable broth – For cooking the orzo.
• Feta cheese crumbles – The salty topping that ties everything together.
• Fresh basil, dill, or parsley – Optional, for a fresh garnish.
• Salt & black pepper – To taste. For the salmon I used Hangar Bay Spice from my friend Jimmy from Next Level Chef! Support this veteran owned business today!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Salmon Filets – Heat olive oil in your enameled cast iron pan (or skillet of choice). Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper (or Hangar Bay), then sear skin-side down until crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove salmon and set aside, covering it with foil. If you see the white albumin coming out, it’s getting overcooked. Spread a thin layer of pesto over the top of the cooked salmon as it rests.
2. Cook the Aromatics & Orzo – In the same pan, add butter, shallots, and garlic. Stir until they become fragrant. Deglaze the pan with some white wine and stir. Stir in orzo and toast for a minute until lightly golden.
3. Add in Broth –  Stir in the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Allow the orzo to cook, covered until cooked. Stir every couple of minutes to ensure it is not sticking to the pan.  
4. Add in Vegetables – When the orzo is done, stir in the fresh spinach and incorporate until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings. Top with halved cherry or grate tomatoes. 
5. Finish with Salmon & Feta – Nestle salmon fillets back into the pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and crumble feta cheese across the dish. Top with additional grated parmesan if desired. Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy
   Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or dill , and serve straight from the pan for a cozy, rustic presentation, or in bowls with a filet of salmon on top of each.

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Tools You’ll Need for this Salmon Recipe

• Enameled cast iron pan (braiser or Dutch oven) – my favorite for even heat and beautiful presentation.
• Cast iron skillet – Holds heat like a champ for perfectly seared salmon.
• Non-stick skillet – Great if you prefer an easier cleanup option.
• Fish Spatula – I love this silicone edged one. 
• Small Baking Sheet – To rest your salmon after it is cooked. 
• Wooden spoon – For stirring without scratching your cookware.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the salmon—keep it tender and flaky. Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the filet. 
• Toasting the orzo before adding broth gives it a nutty flavor.
• If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• Swap in spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables. The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding veggies into this meal! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What other vegetables can I add into this one pan salmon and orzo?

• Green Beans – but you will need to cook them in a second pan, and then stir them in.
• Avocado – Talk about a great healthy fat to add to this mix! Yum. 
• Cucumber – Fresh and cool, it will be a great topping idea. 
• Asparagus – you will need to cook it in a second pan, but oh my gosh yes to asparagus! 

How can I test the doneness of salmon without a thermometer?

GREAT question! You can use a fork, to gently stick between the flakes of the salmon to take a peek. If the salmon is still transluscent then it needs to cook longer. Once it is opaque you are on the right track. But be sure it hasn’t started to squeeze out the albumin, then you know it’s edging on over-done. 

Can I make variations of this dish?

Yes, highly encouraged!! Swap out the old salt and black pepper for Mexican inspired spices, like a taco seasoning blend on your salmon, and rice for your orzo. Top with lime juice and fresh cilantro and avocado! 

Make it Greek with Greek inspired spices, with oregano, and add in black kalamata olives, feta and capers to create a fun and fresh, briny flavor!

This one pan salmon and orzo pasta with tomatoes and feta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—fast, comforting, and made with simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking in a cast iron skillet, enameled cast iron pan, or non-stick pan, this dish comes together beautifully and is sure to be on repeat in your kitchen.

More Inspired Homemade Recipes To Try

Tuna and Orzo Pasta Salad

Grilled Salmon Soft Tacos

Seattle Smoked Salmon Hot Dog

How To Season a Cast Iron Skillet

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