Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together pretty easily — perfect for impressing family or friends without stressing over complicated steps. I love how the tangy brightness of lemon and the richness of garlic dance through tender orzo pasta, topped with perfectly cooked salmon and shrimp. It’s like a restaurant-worthy meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how creamy and comforting the orzo gets without feeling heavy. The lemon juice adds just the right zing that keeps the dish light and fresh, making it ideal for cozy dinners or even special occasions. You’ll find that both the salmon and shrimp marinate and cook quickly, so you get that wonderful sear and flavor without waiting forever. It really hits the spot when you want something delicious and satisfying on your plate — this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role here — from the juicy salmon and shrimp bringing protein and flavor, to the orzo pasta soaking up that luscious lemon garlic sauce. I recommend using good-quality olive oil and fresh garlic since they really make the dish shine.

• Salmon Filets: Fresh is best, but if frozen, thaw fully for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the marinade and sauté; it adds a nice fruity note.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the salmon marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed, it’s key to that vibrant lemon flavor throughout.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky depth without heat — so good with seafood.
• Garlic Powder: Pairs with fresh garlic for a rich, layered flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Season well to bring out every ingredient’s best.
• Raw Jumbo Shrimp: Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Boosts the lemon flavor while seasoning the shrimp nicely.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and richness when cooking both the orzo and seafood.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Their concentrated flavor adds a pleasant bite and color.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic is a must — its aroma is unbeatable.
• Orzo Pasta: This small rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base: Provides a flavorful broth base; you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Herbs De Provence: A fragrant herb blend that lifts the whole dish.
• Heavy Cream: For that silky, creamy texture that coats the orzo.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a cheesy tang.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens and freshens when sprinkled on top before serving.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what flavors I’m craving. Feel free to personalize it to make it your own — the core technique stays the same, but little swaps can take it in exciting new directions.

• Gluten-Free Option: I switched out orzo for quinoa once, and it was surprisingly delightful — just adjust the cooking time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan worked well when my friend needed a dairy-free meal.
• Protein Swap: Tried grilled chicken and even tofu here, and although the flavor changed, the creamy lemon garlic orzo stayed the crowd favorite.
• Extra Veggies: Adding spinach or asparagus during the orzo cooking step gives a fresh crunch and a pop of color.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Salmon for Maximum Flavor

Begin by mixing olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this marinade over your salmon fillets, coating them well. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so the flavors can really sink in; I usually use this time to prep other ingredients. This simple marinade makes the salmon juicy and flavorful without overpowering its delicate taste.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

While your salmon is marinating, drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle on lemon pepper seasoning and smoked paprika. Set aside, and don’t season too early if you’re not cooking right away, or the shrimp might start to get watery. This prep ensures the shrimp cooks quickly and stays tender with a nice zing.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon to Crispy Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated salmon fillets and cook them for about 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Timing is key here — cook long enough to get a nice sear but not so long that the fish dries out. When done, remove the salmon and set aside to rest; this keeps it juicy and tender.

Step 4: Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

Using the same skillet (hello flavor from the salmon!), add your sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for a couple of minutes — you’ll see their vibrant color release oils and aromas. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant. This step fills the kitchen with amazing smells and builds the flavor base for your orzo.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo in Flavorful Broth

Next, stir in the orzo pasta to coat it with the garlicky tomato mixture. Add the Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base and water (or chicken broth if you prefer), then season with Herbs de Provence. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed — keep an eye to avoid overcooking. This method makes the orzo super flavorful, not bland pasta swimming in water.

Step 6: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix everything until you get a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every grain of pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning now — sometimes a little extra lemon or cheese makes it perfect.

Step 7: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

In a separate skillet, heat some butter and gently cook the seasoned shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes. Shrimp cook fast — you’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and curl into a loose C shape. Be careful not to overcook or they’ll get rubbery. Once cooked, remove immediately to keep them juicy and tender.

Step 8: Serve Up Your Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

To plate, spoon a generous helping of the creamy orzo onto your dish. Lay the salmon fillets on top, then artfully pile the shrimp over the salmon. Sprinkle with a bit more fresh parsley for color and freshness, and enjoy immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

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

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness that contrasts the richness. Sometimes I also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top or add a little lemon zest for an extra zing. These simple garnishes make the dish feel special and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands out on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus to add texture and freshness. A light cucumber and tomato salad with vinaigrette also complements the rich creamy orzo and seafood perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this in shallow bowls with the salmon and shrimp fanned out beautifully on top. You can also plate the orzo as a base and arrange the seafood in columns or circles for an elegant touch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens takes things up a notch if you want to impress visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the cream and seafood, I don’t recommend keeping it longer to ensure freshness and food safety.

Freezing

Freezing this creamy lemon garlic orzo with salmon and shrimp isn’t ideal; the cream sauce can separate and the seafood texture changes after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider cooking just the orzo base and freezing that separately, then cook fresh seafood when ready to serve.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the orzo in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess. Then I add the shrimp and salmon on top just long enough to warm through without drying them out. Microwave reheating can make the seafood rubbery and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe has become a family favorite because it’s just so flavorful and comforting without being heavy. I always feel like I’m treating myself when I eat it, and yet it’s totally doable on a weeknight. I hope you find it as delicious and satisfying as I do — it’s definitely a recipe I keep coming back to and love sharing with friends like you. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, lemony, garlicky bite!

Print