Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon

Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon is a rich, flavorful, one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are seared to golden perfection and paired with creamy orzo pasta infused with fresh corn, Parmesan, and thyme. A hint of Cajun seasoning and optional chili flakes give this comforting dish just the right amount of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying and elegant meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 skinless salmon fillets
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

For the Creamed Corn Orzo:

4 garlic cloves, minced
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 cup orzo pasta
3 ears of corn, kernels removed (or 2½ cups frozen corn)
2½ cups chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
Chili flakes (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.

2. Sear the Salmon:

In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add minced garlic and chopped onion.
Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

4. Prepare the Orzo Mixture:

Stir in salt, black pepper, and thyme.
Add the orzo pasta and corn.
Toast for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

5. Simmer the Orzo:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until orzo is nearly al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

6. Finish the Sauce:

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and heavy cream.
Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, until slightly thickened.

7. Combine and Serve:

Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with thyme, black pepper, and chili flakes if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 825 kcal
Protein: 52 g
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fat: 48 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Cholesterol: 193 mg
Sodium: 1524 mg
Potassium: 1300 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 8 g
Vitamin A: 2241 IU
Vitamin C: 7 mg
Calcium: 309 mg
Iron: 3 mg

Why This Dish Works So Well

At the heart of this dish is its harmony — the flavors and textures come together without any single element overpowering the others. Here’s why it stands out:

1. The Base: Creamed Corn Orzo

Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, offers a unique mouthfeel and cooks quickly. It behaves more like risotto in this preparation, absorbing the broth and cream to become luxuriously rich without needing much effort or continuous stirring. The inclusion of fresh (or frozen) corn adds a sweet contrast to the savory elements and provides a bit of natural texture and color.

Corn also brings a summer freshness to the plate, especially when using kernels shaved off the cob. But even when made with frozen corn, the sweetness is preserved. Combined with grated Parmesan and heavy cream, the result is indulgent but not overwhelming.

2. The Star Protein: Salmon

Salmon is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. It sears beautifully in a hot skillet, forming a crisp, golden crust while remaining tender and flaky inside. The Cajun seasoning gives it a smoky, spicy punch — just enough to cut through the creamy orzo and brighten each bite.

It also provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a nutritional win as well as a flavorful one.

3. Layered Aromatics and Seasoning

Onion, garlic, thyme, Cajun spice, and lemon juice work together to keep the dish from feeling too heavy. Each one plays a role:

Garlic and onion build the aromatic foundation.
Thyme adds earthiness and herbal balance.
Cajun seasoning introduces bold warmth and complexity.
Lemon juice provides acidity to cut through the cream and cheese.

These elements come together in the pan like a well-rehearsed ensemble, each enhancing the other without clashing.

A One-Pot Wonder

There’s something inherently satisfying about a one-pan meal. It’s practical, efficient, and easier to clean up — a major bonus on busy nights. With this dish, you start by searing the salmon, then build the orzo mixture in the same pan, infusing it with the fond and residual flavor from the fish.

Not only does this technique save on dishes, but it also makes sure nothing is wasted — all the flavors stay in the pan, enriching the orzo with subtle salmon notes.

One-pot meals are also ideal for portion control and meal planning. The orzo can absorb any extra broth or cream, making it ideal for next-day leftovers that won’t feel dried out or boring.

Versatility and Customization

While this recipe is fantastic as-is, it’s also highly adaptable. That makes it perfect for those who like to get creative in the kitchen or need to work around dietary needs.

Here are some ideas to customize or modify the dish:

Protein Options: If you don’t have salmon on hand, other proteins like shrimp, scallops, or even chicken breast work well. For a vegetarian twist, try seared tofu or sautéed mushrooms for that meaty texture.
Lighter Variations: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt to cut down on saturated fat while keeping the creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with short-grain rice or even quinoa. Adjust the liquid quantities accordingly.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition with additions like spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes folded in at the end.
Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning or chili flakes to your liking — this dish can be made mild for kids or bold for spice lovers.

Because the base is so flavorful and versatile, these additions won’t detract from the dish’s essence — they’ll only enhance its adaptability to your needs.

The Nutritional Side

This dish is more than just a comfort meal — it’s nutrient-dense and well-rounded. A typical serving includes about 52 grams of protein, which is excellent for muscle maintenance and satiety. The salmon provides healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and support heart and brain health.

While the fat content is on the higher side (48g per serving), much of it comes from healthy sources like salmon and olive oil. The presence of vegetables like corn and onion, along with herbs like thyme and lemon juice, adds vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to balance the richness.

Here’s what else this dish brings to the table:

High potassium content (1300 mg per serving) supports blood pressure regulation.
Calcium and Vitamin A from the cheese and cream contribute to bone and eye health.
Iron aids in oxygen transport — especially important if you’re low in red meat intake.

If you’re watching sodium, you may want to opt for low-sodium broth and moderate the added salt and Cajun seasoning, as the recipe as written includes about 1524 mg of sodium per serving.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with light sides to make the meal feel more dynamic:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or green beans
A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

You can also serve it family-style in a large pan or shallow bowl, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkling of Parmesan. It looks impressive and rustic, especially when the salmon fillets are nestled right on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The orzo may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy texture.

If meal prepping, keep the salmon separate and reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent overcooking.

This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the cream, but it’s ideal for making a day ahead if needed.

Conclusion

Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon exemplifies everything we love about cooking today — fast, flavorful, and fulfilling. It blends classic comfort food textures with bright, fresh flavors in a way that’s both modern and timeless. The one-pot approach makes it accessible for weeknight cooks, while the presentation and flavor complexity are impressive enough for entertaining.

Its balance of protein, carbs, fats, and flavor makes it a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise. Whether you’re seeking something quick, healthy-ish, or just incredibly satisfying, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

So next time you’re looking for something cozy yet vibrant, give this Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon a try. It may just become your new favorite comfort food — no casseroles or oven required.

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