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!