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 cheese; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; Chili flakes for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

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I absolutely adore this Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe because it perfectly marries the comforting creaminess of sweet corn and tender orzo with the rich, flavorful salmon that’s seared to perfection. Every bite feels like a cozy hug wrapped in layers of texture and bright, subtle spices. It’s one of those dishes I find myself craving again and again, and I love how it’s both hearty and elegant enough to serve on a busy weeknight or at a relaxed weekend dinner with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe

What really draws me to this recipe is the beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The creaminess of the corn and Parmesan-laden orzo pairs effortlessly with the smoky, Cajun-seasoned salmon. I love the slight sweetness from the fresh corn kernels mixed with the hint of lemon juice and thyme that gives the dish a refreshing lift. It’s rich but not heavy, and every mouthful is comforting and satisfying in the best way.

On top of the fantastic taste, I truly appreciate how easy this recipe is to put together. From prep to plating, it only takes about 30 minutes, which feels like a total win for a meal that tastes so indulgent. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner, a small party, or a cozy date night, this dish always feels special yet manageable. It stands out because it feels gourmet but doesn’t require me to stand over the stove forever. That kind of magic is rare in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three fresh salmon fillets with a bright pink-orange color and smooth texture, placed in a white oval dish at the center. Surrounding the dish are small white bowls filled with various ingredients: cooked green beans on the top right, yellow mustard sauce top center, shredded cheese bottom right, brown broth bottom left, chopped tomatoes mixture on the bottom left, white rice bottom center-left, and green herbs in the middle bottom. There is also a lemon wedge on the left side of the image, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe are simple but essential, each adding its own magic to the final dish—from the bright freshness of corn to the rich creaminess brought by Parmesan and heavy cream. These ingredients combine to create a comforting, textured bowl with stunning flavor.

Olive oil: For searing the salmon and bringing subtle fruitiness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build the creamy sauce base.
Skinless salmon fillets: The star protein, seasoned to pack a flavorful punch.
Salt: Two amounts—one for seasoning salmon and one for seasoning the orzo and vegetables, enhancing every part.
Garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth to the salmon seasoning.
Cajun seasoning: Brings a smoky, slightly spicy kick to the salmon.
Minced garlic cloves: For fresh aromatic sweetness cooking with onion.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped to provide a mild, savory base.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aroma to the dish.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Offers an herby brightness that’s crucial for balance.
Orzo: The tiny pasta that soaks up all the luscious sauce beautifully.
Fresh corn ears: Sweet and crisp, shaved fresh right off the cob.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, helping the orzo cook and intensifying flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for the creamy, nutty finish.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Chili flakes (optional): For adding a little extra heat when you want it.

Directions

Step 1: Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season evenly on both sides with salt, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. This ensures every bite will be flavorful and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Prepare everything before turning on the heat: grate the Parmesan, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Also, shuck the corn by removing the husks and silks, then hold each half ear upright and carefully slice off the kernels with a sharp knife.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the salmon fillets and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned but still moist inside. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Into the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the salt, pepper, and thyme leaves to build layers of flavor.

Step 5: Add the orzo and fresh corn kernels to the skillet, toasting them lightly for about 1 minute. This step deepens their flavors and gives a slight nuttiness to the pasta.

Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is almost tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, which should take around 10 minutes.

Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then add the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes so the sauce thickens and all those flavors meld.

Step 8: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and gently simmer everything for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the salmon is heated through and infused with the creamy corn and orzo flavors.

Step 9: Sprinkle the dish with fresh thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little extra kick. Serve and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Servings and Timing

This Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe makes about 4 satisfying servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small group of friends. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, and the cooking process takes around 20 minutes, making the total time only 30 minutes. There’s no resting time needed, so you can enjoy this dish right away when everything is at its creamiest and freshest.

How to Serve This Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a creamy orzo and corn mixture with a soft yellow color, dotted with bright yellow corn kernels and green herbs. On top, there is a single piece of cooked salmon with a golden brown, slightly crispy texture, showing grill marks and black pepper seasoning. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the bowl, partially inserted into the orzo mixture. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the textures of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve this dish warm right off the stove because the creamy orzo and corn really shine when cozy and tender. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad to add freshness and balance. Roasted or steamed green vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, also work wonders for rounding out the meal.

For presentation, I garnish the dish with extra fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of black pepper or chili flakes for added visual appeal and subtle heat. I like to serve the salmon fillets nestled gently atop the creamed orzo to showcase the beautifully seared fish. Portion-wise, one salmon fillet per person with a generous scoop of the orzo makes for a hearty plate without leftovers.

If you’re thinking about drinks, a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the citrus and herb notes wonderfully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or iced green tea brightens the palate and keeps things light. This dish is fantastic for everything from weeknight dinners to laid-back weekend get-togethers, offering warmth and a bit of luxury without fuss.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe to keep it fresh and exciting. For instance, if you want to switch up the protein, smoked trout or even pan-seared chicken breast give different delicious results. You can also try adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale to the orzo during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant, nutritious twist.

For those looking to make this dish gluten-free, swapping the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or even quinoa works beautifully. You can also make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting the salmon and substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just be sure to add some umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast or miso paste to replicate that cheesy depth.

If you want to play with flavor, adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix on the salmon gives a smoky heat, while fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of thyme can provide a fresh and unique aromatic twist. Alternatively, roasting the salmon in the oven instead of searing it on the stove offers a hands-off method that lets you multitask during dinner prep.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend placing them in an airtight container as soon as the dish cools down to room temperature. Stored in the refrigerator, they keep well for up to 2 days. It’s important to use a container that seals tightly to maintain the creamy texture and keep the salmon fresh. Avoid letting the dish sit out for long periods to prevent any loss of quality.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze as well as some others because the creamy sauce can separate, and the salmon texture might become a bit dry after thawing. However, if you need to freeze it, store the orzo and corn portion separately from the salmon in freezer-friendly, airtight containers. Consume within 1 month for best taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, I find the best way is to warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to redistribute the creamy sauce and prevent the orzo from sticking. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps restore that luscious texture. Avoid reheating at too high a temperature or in the microwave for extended periods because the salmon can overcook and the sauce may separate, which dulls the flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn ears?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works well as a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to avoid extra moisture that might thin the sauce. The sweetness and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter dish?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter creaminess, though the sauce will be less rich and luscious. Another option is to use Greek yogurt stirred in off heat to add creaminess without too much fat, but be careful not to boil after adding yogurt to prevent curdling.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks. Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat gently as described. The salmon and creamy orzo maintain their flavor well if you don’t overcook them during reheating.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Definitely! Swap salmon for a hearty mushroom steak or tofu, use vegetable broth, and replace Parmesan and heavy cream with vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast and cashew cream. It might change the flavor profile slightly but remains equally comforting.

How do I ensure the salmon stays moist when cooking?

Patting the salmon dry before seasoning and avoiding overcooking are key. Sear it on medium-high heat just until it forms a crust then flip and cook until it feels slightly firm but still springy to the touch. Leaving the skin on while cooking also helps retain moisture if you prefer to keep it.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon Recipe a try because it’s one of those meals that brings together comfort and elegance with so little fuss. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding loved ones, it’s a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug every time. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection too.

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