This Sweet Corn Pasta is a bright and tasty dish, perfect for summer! It’s made with fresh corn, creamy sauce, and your favorite pasta, bringing sweet flavors together.
I love how quick it is to whip up! It’s a go-to for busy nights when I need something yummy and satisfying. Plus, it always makes my kitchen smell amazing! 🌽🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pasta shells for this dish, but you can also swap them for any small pasta shape like rotini or penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Sweet Corn: Fresh corn is best for sweetness, but frozen corn works really well too. Just make sure to thaw it before using. When canned corn is your only option, be sure to drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter option, half-and-half will do the trick. For a dairy-free choice, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream that will still create a nice creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor. If you need a substitute, nutritional yeast is a great vegan option. You can also use pecorino cheese for a different twist!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with My Garlic?
Garlic is a key ingredient here, and getting it right is important for maximizing flavor. Sautéing garlic properly helps it release its aroma without burning:
- Heat the oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown!
- If it burns, you’ll need to start over, as it can turn bitter.
This step creates a delicious base for the sweet corn and adds depth to your sauce. Enjoy the rich garlic flavor mixed with the sweetness of corn!
Sweet Corn Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells or any small pasta
For the Corn Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Corn Pasta will take approximately 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking your pasta and another 10 minutes making the sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but remember to set aside about 1/4 cup of the pasta water in case you need it later.
2. Make the Corn Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Make sure not to let it brown! Now, add the sweet corn kernels to the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, allowing them to slightly char and caramelize, which enhances their flavor.
3. Create the Creamy Base:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture. Don’t forget to season this delicious mixture with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes for a bit of heat!
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is well-coated with the creamy corn sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, gently stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer your Sweet Corn Pasta to serving bowls. Top it off with freshly sliced basil and sprinkle a few more chili flakes if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh Corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great substitute and will save you some prep time. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to maintain that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and make the sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine them in a skillet and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little water or cream to keep the dish creamy.
