Name: Creamy Corn and Spinach Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn) or frozen (thawed); 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Why You’ll Love Creamy Corn and Spinach Orzo Recipe

It’s quick — ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
It balances creaminess and freshness: the heavy cream and Parmesan make it rich, while spinach and lemon juice keep it light and bright.
Versatile — it works well as a side dish alongside meats or as a satisfying vegetarian main.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
orzo pasta
butter
corn (fresh or frozen)
garlic, minced
baby spinach leaves
heavy cream
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the corn in butter for 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Then add the baby spinach leaves and cook until just wilted (about 2 minutes).
Stir in the cooked orzo, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer on low heat until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or broth.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn instead — it works well and keeps things convenient.
For extra protein, stir in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon before serving.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of spice.
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter dish.
Swap Parmesan for a different cheese (like feta or goat cheese) for a tangier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of water, broth, or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What type of pasta is orzo — is it more like pasta or rice?

Orzo is technically a form of pasta shaped like large grains of rice. It cooks like pasta but its shape makes it similar in size and texture to rice, which helps it soak up sauces and flavors beautifully in dishes like this one.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes — if you don’t have fresh corn, frozen corn works well. Just thaw and drain it (if needed) before cooking, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Is this dish suitable as a vegetarian main?

Yes — the recipe is vegetarian-friendly. With the cream, cheese, spinach, and corn, it’s hearty enough to serve as a satisfying main, especially for a simple meat‑free meal.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes — you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut cream or a plant-based cream), use a dairy-free butter substitute, and swap the Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it should still be delicious.

How can I make the dish less rich?

To lighten it, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of butter, or use a lighter cheese. You can also increase the ratio of spinach to orzo for more veggies.

Can I add protein to make it more filling?

Definitely — cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms all make great additions. Add them when you stir in the orzo so everything warms together.

What if the orzo mixture becomes too thick after cooking?

If the mixture is too thick, simply thin it out with a small amount of water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Is lemon juice necessary?

The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. It’s not strictly mandatory, but skipping it will yield a milder, heavier dish.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?

Yes — you can scale the ingredients up or down depending on how many servings you need. Just adjust the orzo, corn, spinach, cream, and seasonings proportionally.

How do I store leftovers so the orzo doesn’t get mushy?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, warm gently and add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce so the orzo doesn’t become dry or sticky.

Conclusion

Creamy corn and spinach orzo is a quick, comforting, and versatile dish that combines the sweetness of corn, the freshness of spinach, and the creaminess of Parmesan and cream — all in a single pan. Whether you serve it as a side dish alongside meat or enjoy it as a vegetarian main, it’s a simple, flavorful option that comes together in minutes.

Creamy Corn and Spinach Orzo