Name: Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 skinless salmon fillets – skin removed; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 4 garlic cloves – minced; 1 yellow onion – finely chopped; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 3 sprigs of thyme – more for serving; 1 cup orzo; 3 ears corn; 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; chili flakes for serving – optional

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If you are looking for a comforting and impressive dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, the Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish perfectly balances flaky, seasoned salmon with a luscious, creamy orzo that’s bursting with fresh corn sweetness. Every bite feels special yet homemade, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want to spoil yourself and your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white tray with three pieces of fresh pink-orange salmon fillets with visible white lines of fat, placed in the center of a white marbled surface. Surrounding the tray are five small clear glass bowls arranged loosely in a circle: at the top right a bowl with a reddish-brown spice mix, top left a bowl with a pale green powder, middle left a bowl with white granulated salt, bottom left a bowl with golden-yellow oil, and bottom center a bowl with a pale yellow cube of butter. The setup is simple with a clean and bright look, and the colors contrast well against the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe lies in its simple but vibrant ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: the salmon offers rich protein and a flavorful crust, the fresh corn brings subtle sweetness and texture, and the orzo forms a creamy, comforting base that ties everything together beautifully.

Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil is essential for cooking the salmon to crispy, golden perfection.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build depth in the orzo base.
Salmon fillets: Skin removed for easy searing and evenly cooked flaky fish.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, used both in seasoning the salmon and the orzo mixture.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth to the salmon, complementing the fresh garlic in the orzo.
Cajun seasoning: Adds a smoky, spicy note that elevates the salmon.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the orzo with aromatic flavor.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped, it softens into sweetness, building the orzo’s flavor base.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
Thyme sprigs: Fresh thyme lends herbal brightness that pairs wonderfully with both salmon and corn.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and creates a creamy, comforting texture when combined with broth and cream.
Fresh ears of corn: Sweet and crisp kernels freshly cut right from the cob make all the difference.
Chicken broth: Provides savory liquid that the orzo absorbs, adding depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo for an irresistible cheesy creaminess.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty punch that balances the richness of the cream.
Heavy cream: The ingredient that transforms the orzo into a smooth, luxurious sauce.
Chili flakes (optional): A pinch brings a lively kick to finish the dish with a little heat.

How to Make Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare Your Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry to ensure a beautiful sear. Combine salt, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning and rub it thoroughly over both sides of the fish. This blend creates a flavorful crust when cooked, enhancing the overall dish with smoky, savory notes.

Step 2: Shave the Fresh Corn Kernels

Next, shuck your ears of corn and carefully shave the kernels off using a sharp knife. Fresh corn is the star here — its natural sweetness will shine when combined with creamy orzo, so don’t rush this step. Take your time to get as many kernels off as possible.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon to Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the salmon fillets and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned but still moist inside. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside while you prepare the creamed orzo base.

Step 4: Build the Creamed Corn Orzo

Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in salt, black pepper, and thyme leaves to infuse the base with herby aromatics. Toss in the orzo and corn kernels, letting them toast gently for around 1 minute to deepen their flavor.

Step 5: Simmer the Orzo in Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cooking uncovered and stirring regularly to prevent the orzo from sticking. After approximately 10 minutes, the orzo should be almost tender with most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the heavy cream and a splash of lemon juice. Let it all simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become wonderfully creamy. Return the salmon to the pan, nestling it in the sauce, and simmer together for a few more minutes until heated through.

How to Serve Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe

A white pan filled with creamy, light yellow rice mixed with sweet yellow corn pieces, creating a soft, textured base. On top, there are four pieces of cooked salmon, each with a golden brown seared surface, showing a slightly crispy, speckled texture with black pepper and herbs scattered on them. The salmon pieces vary in size and lie closely next to each other, partially sinking into the creamy rice layer. Small green herb leaves are lightly sprinkled over the dish. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the left side, slightly submerged in the rice. The pan is sitting on a white marbled surface with a white handle visible on the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, freshly cracked black pepper, and a few chili flakes make the perfect finishing touches. They add freshness, a subtle earthy spice, and a little heat that wakes up the palate and complements the richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a generous, complete meal on its own, but for a little extra crunch and brightness, a simple green salad or steamed asparagus work beautifully. Roasted baby carrots or a lemony arugula salad are also fantastic partners to cleanse your palate between creamy bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated dinner party, serve the creamed orzo in shallow bowls with a salmon fillet artfully placed on top. Drizzle any pan juices over and garnish with a sprig of thyme or lemon zest for a gourmet appearance. Alternatively, serve it family-style straight from the pan—comfort food that feels just as special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the creamed orzo (without the salmon) in a separate container for up to 1 month. Salmon does not freeze well once cooked in this recipe, so add fresh salmon when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the orzo over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, and add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick. Warm the salmon separately in the oven or microwave and combine just before serving to keep the fish flaky and moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh for the Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen corn can be a convenient substitute and will still add sweetness, though fresh corn provides the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

What type of salmon is best for this dish?

Skinless fillets of wild-caught Atlantic or Pacific salmon work wonderfully. They sear nicely and remain tender, making for a perfect balance with the creamy orzo.

Is the Cajun seasoning very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, mild heat without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount or choose a milder seasoning if you prefer to tone down the spice.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free cream, and opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a creamy, dairy-free version of this dish.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the salmon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You might want to add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to add heartiness and flavor that complements the creamed orzo.

Final Thoughts

The Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s fast enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for guests, and offers a harmony of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!