This simple One Pot Creamy Corn Orzo combines my favorite summer flavors of sweet corn and fragrant basil with Parmesan cheese and butter for the creamiest pasta dish you will get special requests for. Torn basil, lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon at the end add bright, tangy notes that are sure to tempt your taste buds. Perfection.
To create this flavorful pasta dish, you will need to melt the butter in a deep skillet, then add the finely chopped onion. Once the onion is soft and translucent, add the pasta, corn, and more butter. Toast the orzo for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Next, add in the water and salt. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and basil. Serve in bowls topped with more fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
To make the One Pot Creamy Corn Orzo, you will need the following ingredients:
In a deep skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Add 1 cup orzo pasta, corn, and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Cook, stirring frequently, to toast the pasta, about 5 minutes.
Add 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, on medium low heat uncovered until the orzo is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat, add the lemon zest and juice, 4 tablespoons finely chopped basil, and 2 cups Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine well. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Divide the pasta among bowls and top with more fresh basil and Parmesan, if desired. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
This One Pot Creamy Corn Orzo will always hit the spot for a quick, flavorful meal. Great on its own as a main, it also makes for a hearty side dish to your favorite protein. What's your go-to pasta recipe? Tell us in the comments below!
