Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner in my book. I love it because it balances rich, creamy textures with bright, zesty lemon notes that just wake up your taste buds. Whether it’s a special weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe always delivers on flavor and satisfaction.

When I first tried this combination, I was amazed at how effortlessly the salmon and shrimp paired with the luscious orzo, bringing together a lovely seafood medley without overwhelming the palate. You’ll find that this dish works beautifully for those days when you want to feel fancy but still crave something cozy and doable. Trust me — once you make it, you’ll be reaching for it again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe lies in how well these ingredients come together—fresh seafood, a hint of smoky paprika, and that creamy, garlicky orzo base. I always look for the freshest shrimp I can find, and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add an unexpected richness you don’t want to skip.

• Salmon Filets: Choose skinless or skin-on based on preference; fresh or previously frozen both work well.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds fruitiness and helps build layers of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the salmon marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright, fresh acidity throughout the dish.
• Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices bring a lovely smoky warmth and garlic undertone even before the fresh garlic hits the pan.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp make it easy to cook quickly without fuss.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Boosts that lemony kick especially on the shrimp.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Rich, sweet, and a little chewy – they elevate the orzo’s flavor immensely.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is key here – it adds bright savory notes that balance the creaminess.
• Orzo Pasta: This little pasta cooks fast and becomes silky, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base: I use this for a deep, savory broth base; you can substitute chicken broth if preferred.
• Herbs De Provence: Adds a fragrant touch of floral and herbal essence to the orzo.
• Salted Butter: Used both for cooking and finishing for that luscious mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese: These finish the orzo with incredible creaminess and umami.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbal brightness at the end.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap out proteins or try different herbs to keep it fresh and on rotation. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve used quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead of orzo when cooking for friends with gluten sensitivities, and it works wonderfully.
• Dairy-Free Twist: When going dairy-free, I swap in coconut cream and nutritional yeast for cream and Parmesan; it still stays luscious and delicious.
• Protein Switch-Up: I sometimes use grilled chicken or tofu instead of seafood, and it’s just as comforting—good news for any picky eaters!
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne gives an extra layer of warmth that my family loves.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Salmon for Maximum Flavor

Start by whisking together olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat your salmon filets evenly in this flavorful marinade and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step really helps the salmon soak in those tangy, smoky flavors, and if you have a little extra time, I promise it’s worth the wait.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

While the salmon marinates, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning marries beautifully with the other flavors in the dish and ensures the shrimp cook up flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is shimmering, place your marinated salmon filets in and cook for about 4 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. A quick tip: avoid moving the salmon too much so you get that nice sear. When done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

In the same skillet, add your sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle for a minute or two, releasing their rich flavor and oils into the pan. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant — usually about a minute. This step builds a savory base that’s key for the orzo.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken base (or broth), water, and herbs de Provence. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for around 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Finish the Orzo Creamy Style

Once the orzo is perfectly tender, stir in the butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until creamy and delicious. This part literally brings the whole dish together and makes it irresistibly luscious.

Step 7: Cook the Shrimp

In a separate skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat and cook the seasoned shrimp for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once. You want them just opaque and tender — a quick cook is crucial to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

Plate a generous scoop of the creamy orzo, top with the golden seared salmon, and then crown with those perfectly cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. This presentation never fails to impress!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is freshly chopped parsley which adds a beautiful green color and fresh flavor contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving to amp up the cheesy goodness. If I’m feeling fancy, a few lemon zest twists add a lovely aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to keep things light and fresh. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a nice addition, perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the orzo in shallow bowls and arranged the salmon and shrimp on top like little works of art. Rimming the plates with a drizzle of extra lemon butter or herb oil adds polish. And don’t hesitate to use edible flowers or microgreens if you want to truly wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 2 days for best freshness. Keep the orzo and seafood together—it reheats well since the cream sauce helps maintain moisture. Just be aware that delicate fish texture can soften a bit with storage.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the whole dish personally, the orzo minus seafood freezes decently if you’re making in bulk. I recommend freezing cooked salmon and shrimp separately and adding them fresh when reheating to avoid a mushy texture. Always thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the orzo and seafood on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch but be careful to use short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp and salmon.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something that feels special yet comes together without drama. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, bright, and savory, with seafood that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra joy to your kitchen and dinner table — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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