Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is the perfect answer. I absolutely love how the tangy lemon and rich garlic flavors come together in a luscious creamy orzo base, topped with tender, flaky salmon and succulent shrimp. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without needing hours in the kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at the harmony between the seafood and the buttery, garlicky orzo — it’s comfort food with a fresh, bright twist. You’ll find that it works beautifully whether you’re making dinner for two or want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward, so you can dive right in and feel confident you’re going to nail it.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe come together beautifully to build layers of flavor. Using quality fresh garlic and lemon really amplifies the brightness, while the combination of olive oil and butter lends richness to the dish.

• Salmon Filets: I recommend wild-caught for better flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: Choose a good extra virgin for cooking and marinating.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the salmon marinade.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens both the marinade and the orzo sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky undertone to both salmon and shrimp.
• Garlic Powder & Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder seasons the fish, fresh garlic infuses the orzo.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.
• Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, ready to soak up spicy, lemony flavors.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adds a peppery kick to the shrimp.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the creaminess.
• Orzo Pasta: Tiny and tender, it creates the perfect creamy base.
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base: I use this for deep savory notes, but chicken broth works great too.
• Herbs de Provence: This herb blend ramps up the dish’s aroma and flavor complexity.
• Salted Butter: For richness and silkiness in the orzo and cooking seafood.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the orzo irresistibly creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for sharp, salty depth.
• Fresh Parsley: Finishing touch that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or dietary needs — that’s what makes home cooking so rewarding.

• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve switched out the orzo for quinoa, and it turned out just as creamy and delicious.
• Dairy-Free Option: When I went dairy-free, using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan worked wonders without losing creaminess.
• Protein Swap: Sometimes I switch the salmon and shrimp for grilled chicken or even tofu, depending on the vibe I want. It’s surprisingly tasty either way!

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

Step 1: Marinate the Salmon for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining olive oil, Dijon mustard, half a lemon’s juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. I like to whisk it really well to ensure the flavors marry perfectly. Pour this marinade over the salmon filets and let them soak up all those flavors for about 15 minutes. Trust me, the lemon and mustard give the salmon an irresistible tang that balances beautifully with the creamy orzo later.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp Simply but Boldly

While the salmon marinates, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning enhances their natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with the lemon garlic notes in the orzo. Set the shrimp aside until you’re ready to cook them.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4 minutes on each side — aim for a golden, slightly crispy exterior with a tender inside. If your salmon is thinner or thicker, you might need to adjust the time a bit. Once done, remove them from the pan and let them rest; this step is crucial to keep them juicy.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

In the same skillet (don’t clean out those lovely browned bits), add your sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for a couple of minutes. This infuses the oil with their sweet tanginess. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — no longer than a minute, or it’ll turn bitter. This aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the orzo.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo Until Tender and Creamy

Stir your orzo pasta into the skillet, coating it with the flavorful oil. Add the roasted chicken base dissolved in water (or chicken broth if you prefer), plus herbs de Provence. Bring this to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. It’ll take about 10 minutes for the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn or stick to the pan.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess

Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in butter, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, lemon juice from the remaining half lemon, and chopped parsley. This is the magic moment where the dish transforms into something silky and luxurious. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — sometimes a little extra lemon juice brightens it just right.

Step 7: Cook the Shrimp Gently to Avoid Toughness

In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once. Be careful not to overcook them — shrimp turn tough when you do. You want them just opaque and slightly firm to touch. I like to add a little fresh parsley right at the end for a touch of freshness.

Step 8: Plate Like a Pro

To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy orzo onto your plate. Gently lay the salmon fillet on top, then arrange the shrimp over the salmon. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and brightness. You’ll get compliments every time, guaranteed!

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

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing this dish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley because it adds such a lovely herbal brightness and a pop of green color. Occasionally, I’ll add a few thin lemon slices or a light sprinkle of chili flakes for a gentle kick and visual flair. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving elevates the richness even more.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with simple greens — a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus tossed in olive oil and sea salt works wonderfully. If you want something heartier, garlic bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the orzo in individual shallow bowls, garnishing each with a sprig of fresh dill or thyme. Sometimes, stacking the shrimp neatly on the salmon like a mini tower adds a restaurant-style elegance. And if you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of a lemon beurre blanc sauce can make an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 2 days. I like to keep the seafood separate from the orzo if possible, to maintain the best texture when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing the orzo alone works reasonably well, but I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp and salmon as they tend to lose their texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze portions, separate the seafood before freezing the orzo base.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the orzo in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creaminess. For the seafood, a quick sauté or warming in the microwave just until heated through works best—avoid overcooking or it’ll become rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Salmon and Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels special but not fussy. The balance of bright citrus, rich creaminess, and perfectly cooked seafood hits every comfort food note with a gourmet twist. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be as hooked as my family and I are—we always find ourselves craving it again and again!

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