This salmon aglio e olio is so delicious—garlicky with a touch of heat. Paired with lemon Parmesan orzo, it makes a lovely, easy weeknight meal the whole family enjoys.
I have a simple, satisfying dinner for busy weeknights.
This salmon aglio e olio delivers bright garlic and herb flavor with a little heat, and the lemony Parmesan orzo balances it perfectly. It’s a cozy but not-too-heavy meal that comes together quickly.
I like serving this with parmesan roasted broccoli as an easy vegetable side—together they make a complete meal that’s become a family favorite. Growing up, dinners were always an entree plus two sides, and this combination fits that comforting, balanced formula.
This recipe was inspired by Trader Joe’s aglio e olio seasoning, which is a handy shortcut if you have it. If not, the mix is easy to replicate with common pantry spices.
Basic seasoning mix
Parsley
Garlic (dried or powder)
Crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper
These simple ingredients combine beautifully, especially when the salmon is seared in olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning on the fish before searing or grilling for fast, concentrated flavor. Below is an easy homemade version that tastes great if you don’t have the store-bought blend.
Serving the fillets over lemon Parmesan orzo elevates the meal. The orzo is creamy, bright with lemon zest, and comes together in one pot—think orzo risotto but lighter.
The lemony orzo complements the garlicky seared salmon perfectly—natural flavors that pair beautifully and cook up quickly for an ideal weeknight dinner.
It’s a cozy, approachable meal the whole family will love.
Salmon Aglio e Olio with Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Salmon Aglio e Olio with Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Ingredients
Lemon Parmesan Orzo
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 16 ounces dry orzo
- 32 ounces chicken or vegetable stock
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salmon
- 1½ tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
- Chopped fresh parsley, for topping
Instructions
Lemon Parmesan Orzo
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until the edges become slightly toasted.
- Pour in the stock, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Keep warm until serving.
Salmon
- In a small bowl, combine the dried parsley, dried minced garlic, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the salmon and sear for 2–3 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 3–5 minutes, until the center is opaque and cooked through.
- Serve the salmon over the lemon Parmesan orzo and top with chopped fresh parsley.
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Super cozy.