This One Pot Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo is the kind of throw-together dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. It starts with smoky charred corn-bringing a hit of sweetness and depth-then builds into a cosy, creamy dish with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Think mac and cheese meets chilli-spiked corn chowder.
Everything cooks in one pan (yes, even the orzo), so it's easy on the washing up and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you want something warm, cheesy and a little bit spicy without spending ages in the kitchen.
Calories in Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo
This recipe serves 4 and is 438 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 400+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Onion - A flavourful base that brings gentle sweetness and depth once softened, helping everything else taste richer.
- Garlic - A fragrant, aromatic base for the dish, infusing the orzo with its savoury punch.
- Red & Green Peppers - Bright and slightly sweet, they add colour, texture, and a subtle contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Butter - Used to char the corn and soften the veg, it adds richness and helps carry the spices.
- Corn - Charred until golden and smoky, it's the star of the dish-adding sweetness, texture, and that irresistible grilled flavour.
- Parsley or Cilantro - A fresh, herby finish that finishes the dish
- Stock - Cooks the orzo while infusing it with savoury depth. Choose vegetable or chicken depending on what you have to hand. It's essential to use the correct ratio of stock cubes to water, as not all stock cubes are identical. Using too few can lead to a bland, watery broth, while too many may create a stock that's overly salty.
- Reduced Fat Single Cream or Half and Half - Makes the sauce silky and satisfying without tipping into heavy.
- Cheddar - Melts beautifully into the sauce, giving that classic comfort-food cheesiness.
- Parmesan - Adds savoury sharpness and a touch of umami, balancing the sweetness of the corn and creaminess of the cheddar.
- Homemade Spice Mix: Paprika, Smoked paprika, Cayenne, Ground Coriander, Ground fenugreek, Dried dill, Dried parsley, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Black pepper, Sea salt
- Olive Oil Spray - Use your preferred choice of low calorie spray, I prefer olive oil or avocado sprays without any added emulsifiers.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions
Variations and Substitutes
This dish is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Protein Options: Want to make this a more substantial meal? Add some protein like shrimp, which cooks quickly and complements the smoky charred corn, or chicken-grilled, pan-seared, or even leftover roasted chicken works well. For an extra touch of flavour, season the protein with the same spice mix before cooking.
- Cheese: While cheddar brings that classic creaminess, feel free to mix things up! Try feta for a tangy, salty kick or mozzarella for extra meltiness. A mix of cheeses on top can elevate the dish even further.
- Vegetable Additions: Get creative with the veggies! You could add zucchini or spinach for a pop of green, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Roasted butternut squash could also bring in a rich, earthy note to balance out the spices.
- Grains and Pasta: If orzo isn't available, you can use rice or another small pasta like farfalle or penne for a similar texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
- Cream: If you can't find reduced fat single cream or half and half, you can use a 50/50 mix of 2% milk and regular single cream as a substitute. This will still give you a creamy texture without making the dish too heavy.
Batch-Making the Spicy Smoky Spice Mix
The homemade spice mix is perfect for adding bold, smoky flavour to your dishes. If you love the flavours and want to make a larger batch to use in your own recipes, this quadrupled version will make approximately 12-16 servings (depending on how much you use per serving), so it's great for keeping on hand throughout the week.
You can use it to season proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it to roasted vegetables, or sprinkle it over grain bowls for an extra burst of flavour. The combination of smoky paprika, cayenne, and ground fenugreek creates a unique, well-balanced mix that works in a variety of dishes.
If you find yourself using it up quickly and want more, feel free to double the batch again to keep a larger supply in your pantry. Simply store your spice mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place, and you'll always have this easy, flavour-packed seasoning ready to go.
Slimming Eats Spicy Smoky Spice Mix
- 4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 teaspoon ground fenugreek
- 4 teaspoon dried dill
- 4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
Simply mix all the ingredients together, and you're good to go! This mix will add incredible flavour to whatever you decide to cook. If you're preparing a larger batch ahead of time and want to use it in the Spicy Creamy Cheesy Corn Orzo recipe instead of the smaller batch, I recommend using about 2 tablespoons of the spice mix for the perfect balance of flavour.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo
One-pot meals are a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavour-packed dish without the hassle of multiple pots to wash. Here are some tips for cooking this delicious one pot recipe.
- Use the Right Pan: A large, deep pan or skillet with a lid is key for this recipe. It ensures everything cooks evenly and gives the corn and orzo plenty of space to absorb all the flavours without overcrowding.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: To make the cooking process smoother, chop and measure all your ingredients before you start. This will help you add everything at the right time and keep the dish moving seamlessly.
- Sauté for Depth of Flavour: Start by charring the corn in the spices with the onions and peppers in butter. This caramelises the corn and builds a delicious, smoky base before adding the orzo, stock, and cream.
- Don't Rush: Give each ingredient enough time to cook properly, especially the orzo. Stir it occasionally and allow it to absorb the flavours, but don't rush the simmering process-it helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: If you find the dish drying out while the orzo cooks, feel free to add a splash more stock. This ensures the orzo remains creamy and tender, without becoming too thick or dry.
- Finish with Cheese: Once everything is cooked through, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan at the end to melt into the creamy sauce. The cheese adds the perfect richness and a cheesy finish that brings the whole dish together.
With these tips, you'll have a perfectly creamy, spicy, and cheesy orzo dish that's full of smoky corn goodness. Enjoy!
Sides for Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo
This Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo is a satisfying dish on its own, but if you're looking to serve it alongside something, here are a few options to balance out the richness and add extra flavour and texture:
- Mixed Salad: A simple mixed salad with crisp lettuce options like baby spinach, rocket (arugula), romaine lettuce etc pairs perfectly with the creamy orzo. Add a few slices of cucumber, red onion, and juicy cherry or grape tomatoes for extra freshness and a bit of sweetness to balance out the spice.
- Vegetable Options: If you're looking to add a bit more colour and variety, try pairing it with these light vegetable sides:
- Grilled Asparagus: With a slight char and earthy flavour, it adds a smoky element that complements the corn in the orzo.
- Sautéed Spinach: A light, buttery sautéed spinach brings a pop of green and a savoury finish that contrasts nicely with the creamy dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisped up in the oven, these provide a bit of crunch and bitterness, balancing the richness of the orzo.
- Steamed Broccoli: A classic and light side that's mild in flavour and texture, offering a nice contrast to the cheesy, spicy orzo.
- Roasted Green Beans: These are a great option for a side dish
- Enjoy on Its Own: If you're after a lighter meal, this dish can absolutely be enjoyed as it is-creamy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy, it's satisfying all on its own!
These fresh and light sides will help round out the meal, giving you the perfect balance of textures and flavours without overshadowing the richness of the orzo.
More One Pot Recipes
Love an easy one pot recipe? Check out these other options on Slimming Eats:
See more One Pot Recipes →
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FAQ for Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo
It's not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the orzo can become overcooked and stodgy once thawed. The creaminess of the sauce may also separate during freezing, affecting the overall consistency and flavour. For the best results, it's best enjoyed fresh!
If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of stock to bring back the creaminess.
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Recipe Card
One Pot Creamy Cheesy Spicy Corn Orzo
This creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy corn orzo is a one-pot wonder that combines smoky charred corn with rich, comforting flavours for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the spice mix:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon ground fenugreek
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the orzo:
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 170g (1 cup) of sweetcorn (can use frozen or canned), fully drained or defrosted
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 175g (1 cup) of orzo, uncooked
- 300ml (1.25 cups) of chicken or vegetable stock
- 200ml of reduced fat single cream or half and half
- 60g (2.2oz) cheddar, freshly grated
- 60g (2.2oz Parmesan, freshly grated
- salt and black pepper
- handful of fresh parsley or coriander, finely chopped
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are browned and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the same pan with a little low-calorie spray if needed. Cook until softened.
- Return the corn to the pan, sprinkle over the spice mix, and stir until everything is well coated and fragrant—be careful not to burn the spices.
- Stir in the red and green peppers, followed by the orzo, coating everything in the spiced mixture.
- Pour in the stock and reduced-fat single cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 9–10 minutes, or until the orzo is just cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed,
- Add the cheddar, half the Parmesan (reserve other half), and the chopped parsley or coriander. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the orzo is creamy.
- Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve sprinkled with the reserved parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Vegetarian Friendly - use all cheddar or vegetarian Italian Style hard cheese
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 438Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 99mgSodium 917mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 6gSugar 9gProtein 18g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
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