Description
This Creamed Corn Orzo with Salmon recipe combines tender, juicy salmon fillets with a rich, creamy orzo pasta infused with fresh corn and Parmesan cheese. The dish is elegantly flavored with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and fresh thyme, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- ¼ tsp salt (for salmon)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Orzo and Creamed Corn
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp salt (for orzo)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen/canned)
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- Optional: chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and hot, preparing the pan for cooking the salmon.
- Season and sear salmon fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season evenly with ¼ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and finely chopped yellow onion. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
- Cook the corn kernels: Add fresh or frozen corn kernels to the skillet and cook another 2 minutes, allowing the corn to soften and absorb flavors.
- Add broth and cream, then simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Cook orzo in the creamy mixture: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate cheese, lemon, and herbs: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, fresh or dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Return salmon to skillet: Nestle the seared salmon fillets on top of the creamy orzo mixture in the skillet. Let everything warm through together for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chili flakes over the dish if desired for a hint of heat and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, but keep in mind the salmon is not vegetarian.
- Fresh corn is preferred for sweetness, but frozen or canned corn works well if fresh is unavailable.
- The Cajun seasoning can be adjusted according to your spice preference or replaced with a mild paprika blend for less heat.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftover orzo can thicken upon standing; add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Use skinless salmon for better searing and easier eating, but skin-on can be used if preferred.
