Description
π½ Creamy corn and cheese combine for comforting, hearty goodness in minutes.
π§ Oneβpot cooking keeps cleanup easy while delivering a rich, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 2 Tbsp butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb (β 450 g) orzo pasta
– 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
– 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 4 ears)
– 2 Tbsp fresh green onions, sliced
– 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (β 710 ml)
– 1 can (4 oz/β 113 g) diced green chilies, drained
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Β½ cup heavy cream (β 120 ml)
– Β½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (β 55 g)
– Β½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (β 45 g)
– 2-3 cups roasted broccoli florets (optional)
Instructions
1-Ready to dive into making this one pot cheesy creamed corn orzo recipe? It’s super straightforward and fits right into your busy schedule as a quick comfort creamed corn orzo dinner! Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients, like the chopped bacon and fresh corn kernels, to keep things flowing smoothly.
2-In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp don’t forget to remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside, keeping that flavorful fat in the pot. Next, add the butter and diced onion, sautΓ©ing for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and smells amazing. Stir in the minced garlic, orzo, corn kernels, and fresh thyme, letting it cook for 2 minutes so the orzo gets a light golden touch.
3-Cooking the Base: Pour in the chicken broth, crank up the heat to bring it to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes while stirring occasionally. This step is key for getting that creamy, risotto-like consistency in your creamed corn orzo it’s where the magic happens! For more pasta inspiration, check out our shrimp scampi pasta recipe for another easy, flavorful option.
4-Once the orzo is tender, lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream, diced green chilies, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and sliced green onions. Let it cook just until the cheeses melt and everything is heated through if it thickens up too much, add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve topped with the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. If you want to amp up the nutrition, fold in those roasted broccoli florets for extra crunch!
5-This easy cheesy corn orzo side dish is ready in about 25 minutes total, with just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. It’s perfect for home cooks and busy parents alike, offering a satisfying meal that’s both simple and indulgent. For a twist, try pairing it with grilled proteins or veggies to make it a full dinner that everyone will rave_RX about!
6-Final Touches and Serving Tips: To wrap it up, serve your creamed corn orzo immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, swap ingredients during these steps as mentioned earlier. This quick comfort creamed corn orzo dinner not only saves time but also brings a smile with its cheesy goodness!
Notes
π₯ Cook the bacon first to render flavor; reserve it for garnish to keep it crisp.
πΏ Add a pinch of smoked paprika if you omit bacon for a smoky, vegetarian version.
π₯ Adjust the heat by adding extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250 g)
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Cheesy, Corn, Orzo, One-Pot