Roasted corn orzo is a vibrant and comforting dish that captures the essence of summer with every bite. Sweet, smoky corn and tender orzo pasta come together in a creamy, flavorful base that’s as versatile as it is satisfying. It works beautifully as a side for grilled meats or seafood but can easily stand on its own as a light vegetarian meal.
The sweetness of roasted corn is what gives this dish its charm. Roasting the kernels brings out their natural sugars while adding a subtle smoky depth. Paired with orzo, which cooks up soft and slightly chewy, the corn adds both texture and bursts of flavor. Together, they create a warm, buttery base that feels both indulgent and fresh.
The beauty of roasted corn orzo lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s delicious with just a bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest, but you can elevate it even more by stirring in a handful of grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or a splash of cream for added richness. A scattering of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives brightens the entire dish, giving it a garden-fresh finish.
You can also take it in different directions depending on your mood or menu. Add blistered cherry tomatoes, sautéed zucchini, or chopped spinach for more color and nutrition. For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all pair beautifully. Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili oil does the trick.
Roasted corn orzo is the kind of dish that can be prepped in advance and enjoyed warm or cold. It travels well, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and packed lunches. Each forkful delivers a balance of creamy, sweet, and savory that feels comforting without being heavy.
Whether served as a weeknight side dish or the star of a summer table, roasted corn orzo is a crowd-pleasing option that brings the best of seasonal ingredients into a simple, elegant bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup basil leaves fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and corn kernels, and roast until the corn is golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and combine with the roasted corn. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves until well combined. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Too much cheese! I think 2 tablespoons is an overkill. Not a fan, sorry.
I think the cheese is just right! It really brings out the flavors of the corn and basil. 😋
Lol, I don’t know about too much cheese. But maybe for your taste, it’s a lot. Just leave it out if you don’t like it! 😊
Kinda skeptical about this, but corn and pasta? Sounds weird mix tho. 🤔
I totally get the skepticism! Corn and pasta do sound like an odd combo, but they actually pair really well. Give it a try! 🌽🍝
Made this for dinner, and like, what a disaster. My orzo turned into mush!
I had a similar problem with orzo once! Maybe try cooking it for less time next time? Orzo can get mushy if you overdo it! Good luck!
You messed up, huh? It’s simple to make! Just watch the time on the pasta. It ain’t rocket science! 😂
Honestly, I would have thought this was bland if I hadn’t tried it. The flavors are really vibrant! Will make again.
So simple! I threw in some cherry tomatoes too. Very fresh!
Cherry tomatoes? Sounds delish! I’m gonna try that next time!
Is orzo just a fancy name for rice? 😂 Not sure about this dish but my kids love corn. Might try it.
This roasted corn orzo recipe is so easy and delicious! I added a pinch of garlic powder and it was perfect!
I always thought orzo was hard to cook! This seems super manageable. Will definitely give it a go!
Yum! Dis is fire. Corn is king!
I messed it up because I forgot the basil and used dried instead. Still tasted good tho!
I didn’t really understand why you’d roast corn when it can just be boiled. Seems a bit much.
But isn’t boiling easier? I don’t got time for that roasting nonsense. Just my thought.
Roasting brings out the sweetness of the corn! Boiling just doesn’t do that. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Could use more flavor. Maybe add some garlic next time? Just a suggestion!
I dunno, I liked it just fine. I think it’s all about the cheese. But garlic? Not sure about that.
I totally agree! Garlic would definitely enhance the flavor. Thanks for the tip!
Can you use butter instead of olive oil? I think it might taste better. Just a thought.
This dish is amazing! I loved the roasted corn flavor. Definitely making it again!
Wow! This is the best thing ever! Never thought orzo could taste this good! 😍
I used frozen corn and it was just fine. I dunno what the fuss is about fresh ingredients.
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out as expected. The orzo was overcooked. Maybe I did something wrong?
This was so delish! I can’t believe how simple it was. My family loved it.
Where do I find roasted corn? Is it the same as corn on the cob? Confused 🤷♂️.
OMG, so easy! I just made it for lunch and my kids gobbled it up! 🥇
Disappointed. I expected more from this. Didn’t look or taste like the picture. 😞
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe try adjusting the seasoning next time? Sometimes that can really change the flavor.
Way too salty for my taste! I would definitely reduce the salt next time.
I didn’t find it salty at all! Maybe you just used too much? 🤷♂️
I think you could actually add more herbs to balance out the saltiness! Just a thought.
This was soooo good! The kids loved it. Will definitely make again!
So happy to hear that! My kids devoured it too.
Easy to prepare and the flavors are nice! I added some garlic and it was fantastic!
I agree! Garlic makes everything better. This dish was a hit at my dinner last night! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good, but do you really think garlic is necessary? Seems like it might overpower the corn flavor.
Not sure if this is worth trying. Seems too simple, I question if it will really taste good.
I don’t know what orzo is. I just used spaghetti instead. Still tasted good. Easy recipe.
Spaghetti works too! Cooking is all about what you have.
I don’t like basil. Can I use something else? Just wondering.
Easy to make, but I don’t think it tasted like anything special. Probably won’t make it again.
Orzo? Isn’t that a type of rice? 🤔 Anyway, made this for a potluck and it disappeared!
This recipe is amazing! The flavors are so good together. I added some garlic and it was delicious!
Yum! This was a hit at dinner. My kids loved it even tho they usually hate corn.
The corn was burnt a bit, but it still turned out okay. Not my favorite dish, but not bad.
Glad it turned out okay! Maybe next time you can try cooking the corn for a bit less time to avoid burning it! 🍽️
Not sure why you’d say it’s not your favorite? Corn and orzo sound great together! 🤔
I’m not sure about the corn and orzo combo. It seems weird. Maybe I’ll try it sometime, but I’m skeptical.
Yum! ❤️