Creamy Corn Pasta

Creamy Corn Pasta

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces shell pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    plus more for drizzling

  • Kernels from 4 ears fresh corn

    3 cups

  • 2 shallots

    chopped, ⅔ cup

  • 2 garlic cloves

    chopped

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Red pepper flakes

    for sprinkling

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels, shallots, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook for 5 minutes, or until the shallot has softened and the corn is tender and bright yellow. Turn off the heat.

  3. 3

    Transfer half the corn mixture to a blender and add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and the lemon juice. Puree until smooth.

  4. 4

    Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the veggies and heat over low heat. Add the corn puree and stir to coat the pasta, then add the cheese and another ¼ cup pasta water and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your liking.

  5. 5

    Season to taste and fold in half the basil. Garnish with the remaining basil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and serve.

Creamy Corn Pasta

Creamy Corn Pasta

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Looking for a delightful way to celebrate summer's bounty in a simple, satisfying meal? This Creamy Corn Pasta brings the vibrant sweetness of fresh corn together with tender pasta, creating a dish that's both comforting and wonderfully bright.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and the star ingredient: fresh corn. By gently cooking the fresh corn kernels with aromatic shallots and garlic, you build a flavorful base that becomes the heart of a surprisingly creamy sauce, all without relying on heavy cream. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous helping of grated pecorino cheese tie everything together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this dish proves that incredible flavor doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

What to Expect

Prepare your palate for a dish bursting with the natural, sweet essence of fresh corn, perfectly complemented by the salty, sharp tang of pecorino cheese. The sauce has a lovely, light creaminess that coats each piece of shell pasta, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, herbal lift, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavors. This is a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish that truly highlights the best of the season.

Customization & Variations

While shell pasta is ideal for cradling the creamy sauce, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like orecchiette or penne. If you don't have pecorino, grated Parmesan cheese makes a fantastic substitute. For an extra boost of protein, consider stirring in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans at the end. A handful of fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes can also be added for more color and vegetables.

Serving & Context

This Creamy Corn Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Serve it immediately with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a final sprinkle of fresh basil for a vibrant, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions