The first time I made this One Pan Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon recipe, I honestly didn’t expect it to become a weekly favorite. I was craving something creamy and comforting but still light and nourishing. When I pulled that pan out of the oven, the salmon was perfectly flaky and the orzo was rich, silky, and full of flavor.
I love meals that feel fancy but take minimal effort, and this one truly delivers. The coconut milk gives it a luxurious texture without heavy cream, and everything cooks together in one pan. After one bite, I knew this recipe was staying in my regular dinner rotation.
If you’re looking for an easy, wholesome, and flavor-packed seafood dinner, this creamy coconut orzo and salmon is exactly what you need.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy one-pan salmon and orzo dish, along with helpful tips for best results:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta – Orzo cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully. Don’t substitute with larger pasta shapes, as cooking time will change.
- 2 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each) – Use fresh, center-cut salmon for even cooking. Pat dry before seasoning for a better sear.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key here. Avoid jarred garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- 1 small shallot, finely diced – Adds subtle sweetness and depth. You can substitute with yellow onion if needed.
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk – Full-fat works best for a creamy consistency. Light coconut milk will make the sauce thinner.
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth – Keeps the orzo flavorful without becoming overly salty.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust according to your broth and personal taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat and balances the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Gives warmth and slight smokiness.
- Juice of ½ lemon – Brightens the dish and balances the coconut richness. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach – Use fresh spinach only. Frozen spinach releases too much water and affects texture.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – Adds freshness and color at the end.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 2–3 people generously. You can easily double the quantities for a larger family meal.
Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize depending on your preferences or dietary needs. If you enjoy comforting baked pasta-style dishes, you might also like this recipe:
mini-spaghetti-squash-lasagnas-recipe. For another flavorful baked dinner option with a different twist, you can enjoy honey-sesame-chicken-noodle-bake-recipe.
- For a dairy-free option, the recipe already uses coconut milk instead of cream, making it naturally dairy-free. Just ensure your broth is dairy-free as well.
- If you want extra protein, you can add cooked shrimp alongside the salmon or stir in chickpeas for a plant-based boost.
- To enhance the flavor, try adding red pepper flakes for heat or a pinch of turmeric for extra warmth and color. Sun-dried tomatoes also pair beautifully with the creamy coconut base.
- For a low-carb alternative, you can swap the orzo with cauliflower rice, though the texture will be different and cooking time shorter.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need to make this dish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 30–35 minutes
This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying.
Equipment You Need
- Large oven-safe skillet or pan – Used to cook everything in one pan and transfer directly to the oven.
- Cutting board – For chopping garlic, shallots, and herbs.
- Sharp knife – Ensures clean cuts and even pieces.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the orzo and sauce gently.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon Recipe?
This dish comes together easily in one pan, making both cooking and cleanup simple. Follow these steps for the best results.
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Finely dice the shallot and mince the garlic. Rinse the spinach and set everything within reach so the cooking process stays smooth and quick.
Preheating your oven at this stage ensures even cooking once the salmon goes in.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly, just until aromatic. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
This step builds the flavor base for the entire dish.
Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo directly into the pan with the aromatics. Stir for about a minute to lightly toast it.
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and prevents the orzo from becoming overly mushy.
Make sure it’s evenly coated in oil before adding any liquid.
Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine everything well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes so the orzo begins absorbing the liquid.
Taste and adjust salt if necessary before adding the salmon.
Add Salmon and Bake
Nestle the seasoned salmon fillets directly into the creamy orzo mixture.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
The orzo will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing all the rich coconut flavor.
Add Spinach and Lemon
Once out of the oven, stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it:
- I always use full-fat coconut milk because it creates the creamiest texture. Light versions just don’t give the same richness.
- I let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking so it cooks more evenly.
- I don’t over bake the salmon. I check it early because slightly undercooked salmon stays moist and tender.
- I add lemon zest along with the juice for an even brighter flavor. It makes a noticeable difference.
- I sometimes finish it with a drizzle of olive oil on top for an extra glossy, restaurant-style look.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Coconut Orzo and Salmon Recipe?
This dish is best served warm, straight from the pan. I like spooning the creamy orzo into shallow bowls and placing the salmon fillet right on top.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness. You can also sprinkle a little cracked black pepper on top for presentation.
For a complete meal, serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. Crusty bread on the side works beautifully to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Around 500–600 kcal
- Protein: 30–35g
- Carbohydrates: 40–45g
- Fat: 25–30g
These values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands used.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
The flavors deepen slightly as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the orzo portion, but the salmon texture may change slightly after thawing.
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.
Heat just until warmed through to avoid drying out the salmon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe stands out for so many reasons, especially if you love easy but impressive meals.
- It’s a true one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more convenience. I love not having multiple pots to wash afterward.
- It’s creamy without heavy cream, thanks to coconut milk. That makes it lighter but still indulgent.
- It’s balanced and nourishing, combining protein-rich salmon with satisfying pasta and greens.
- It’s customizable, so you can adjust spices, add vegetables, or make it dairy-free effortlessly.
- It feels elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.