One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Salmon Orzo: Your Go-To Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: a One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Salmon Orzo recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes! This fuss-free meal features creamy, flavorful orzo cooked in savory broth, vibrant baby spinach, and perfectly tender salmon fillets, all baked to perfection in a single dish.

Embrace the convenience of a one-pan dinner with this exquisite Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Salmon Orzo. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to a gourmet-tasting meal that requires minimal prep and comes complete with protein, pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all infused with rich Mediterranean flavors. This dish isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary experience that brings the comforting warmth of a Tuscan-inspired meal right to your table, without any of the fuss.

We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to maximize flavor while minimizing effort. It all begins with a vibrant marinade for your salmon, prepared directly in the baking dish you’ll use for the entire meal. Succulent salmon fillets are coated in a fragrant blend of garlic and red pepper, then set aside while the magic happens with the orzo. Next, the tiny pasta is combined with sun-dried tomatoes and savory broth, then baked until nearly tender. The marinated salmon then joins the orzo, finishing its cook time alongside the pasta, ensuring both components are perfectly cooked and infused with harmonious flavors.

The result? A truly effortless and incredibly delicious baked salmon orzo dinner. This recipe promises not only a quick cleanup but also a dish bursting with savory, tangy, and slightly creamy notes that will impress even the most discerning palates. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Key Ingredients for this Flavorful Baked Salmon Orzo Recipe:

• Salmon Fillets: Opt for four to five-ounce fillets for best results. Remember that the thickness of your salmon will directly impact cooking time. Thinner fillets will cook faster, so adjust accordingly to ensure your salmon remains moist and tender, never overcooked.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes (packed in oil): These provide a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor. We utilize both the rich oil from the jar for the marinade and the tomatoes themselves, chopped and stirred into the orzo. If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, reconstitute them in hot water first and use a good quality olive oil for the marinade, perhaps enhancing it with a bit more garlic and herbs to compensate for the missing tomato oil depth.
• Melted Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you complete control over the sodium content of your dish. It adds a crucial richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust on the salmon.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Essential for balancing the richness of the salmon and sun-dried tomatoes. Its bright acidity cuts through the savory elements, lifting the overall flavor profile of both the marinade and the finished orzo.
• Seasonings: A simple yet powerful trio of kosher salt, aromatic garlic powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes creates the foundational flavor for the marinade, imparting warmth and a subtle kick.
• Sun-dried Tomato Pesto: This ingredient is a game-changer, deepening the tomato flavor and adding a layer of savory richness to the orzo. Many grocery stores carry excellent ready-made options. For an extra special touch, you can easily make your own homemade sun-dried tomato pesto.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is stirred into the orzo, adding an aromatic depth that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and pesto beautifully.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for baking as it absorbs flavors wonderfully and creates a creamy, risotto-like texture in the oven. Look for dry orzo pasta in the pasta aisle of any major grocery store.
• Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth): Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the seasoning. It’s the liquid base for cooking the orzo, infusing it with flavor as it cooks. Vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian option (just omit the salmon and add more veggies or plant-based protein).
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich finish to the creamy orzo. It’s stirred in towards the end of the cooking process, contributing to the dish’s irresistible creaminess.
• Baby Spinach: Not only does fresh baby spinach add a vibrant pop of color and essential nutrients, but it also wilts down beautifully into the warm orzo, adding a delicate earthiness.
• Heavy Cream: Just a touch of heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety texture for the orzo without making the dish overly rich or heavy.
• Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives at the end adds a bright, fresh finish and an extra layer of subtle flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your One-Pan Salmon Orzo Recipe:

• Prepare the Marinade and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) with a rack in the center. In the very same 12×9 baking dish you plan to use for the entire meal, combine the sun-dried tomato oil, melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade. Carefully dip each salmon fillet, flesh side down, into this marinade, ensuring both sides are well coated. Then, set the marinated fillets aside on a plate for a moment.
• Bake the Orzo Base: To the remaining marinade in the baking dish, add the sun-dried tomato pesto, the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (from the jar), minced fresh garlic, dry orzo pasta, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. This is crucial for allowing the orzo to steam and cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Finish with Creaminess and Salmon: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Don’t be alarmed if the orzo appears quite liquidy – this is normal! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh baby spinach, and heavy cream until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the spinach begins to wilt. Now, gently place the marinated salmon fillets on top of the creamy orzo and vegetable mixture. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake for another 12-18 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your preferred level of doneness. The salmon should be flaky and cooked through, and the orzo should be al dente and creamy.
• Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or other fresh herbs like chives for an extra burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and savor this incredible one-pan meal!

Pro Tips for Achieving Perfect One-Pan Baked Salmon Orzo:

• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly! For perfectly flaky and moist salmon, keep an eye on it during the final baking stage. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Overcooked salmon can become dry and tough.
• Tightly Cover the Orzo: When baking the orzo initially, ensure the dish is covered very tightly with a lid or foil. This traps steam, allowing the orzo to cook evenly and absorb the broth, resulting in a creamy texture.
• Adjust Broth if Needed: Orzo can vary slightly in absorption. If your orzo seems too dry during the final stir, you can add a splash more broth or even water until it reaches your desired creaminess. Conversely, if it’s too wet, let it bake uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the salmon.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients, their quality truly shines through. Opt for fresh salmon, good quality sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Rest the Salmon: Once cooked, allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful fillet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Salmon Orzo:

If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy these other flavorful dishes:

• Tomato Basil and Feta Cheese Orzo Salad
• Roasted Garlic Italian Couscous Salad with Olives
• Skillet Chili Crisp Salmon with Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad
• Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil
• Pineapple Salsa Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze