This sweet corn pasta is a fun and tasty dish! It’s made with fresh, sweet corn and pasta that come together for a deliciously creamy meal.
You can whip this up in no time! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—because who doesn’t like a little cheesy goodness? It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using shells for this recipe, as they hold onto the sauce nicely. But you can easily swap in any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works too if needed!
Sweet Corn: Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch. If you can’t find sweet corn, try using canned corn—just make sure to drain it well. I find fresh corn adds a wonderful crunch!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor, but feel free to use regular olive oil or even butter for cooking. I sometimes add a drop of flavored oil like garlic or chili for an extra kick.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is my favorite, as it melts beautifully. If you’re lactose intolerant, a nut-based Parmesan can be a nice alternative. Nutritional yeast is another good cheesy substitute!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Pasta?
Cooking pasta just right is essential for the best texture in your dish. Follow these simple steps:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water and salt it well—aim for around 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, testing a minute or two early for “al dente” (meaning it should still have a slight bite).
- Before draining, save some pasta water. This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce when combined with pasta.
By following these steps, your pasta will come out perfectly every time, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors!
Sweet Corn Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells or any short pasta
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter for extra richness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sweet corn pasta recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about another 10 minutes preparing the sauce and mixing everything together. Quick and easy for a satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning it should still have a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Sweet Corn:
Now, toss the fresh sweet corn kernels into the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred. The smell will be amazing!
4. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to evenly coat the corn with the seasonings. Tweak the spice level based on your preference—if you like heat, feel free to add a bit more red pepper flakes!
5. Combine Pasta and Corn:
Next, add the drained pasta into the skillet with the corn. Toss everything together well. If it seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water little by little until you reach your desired creaminess.
6. Stir in Cheese:
Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter (if using) until the pasta is well coated and creamy. This is where the magic happens—so good!
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt or pepper. Don’t be shy; this is your dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sweet corn pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant and delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great substitute and can save you some prep time. Just toss it into the skillet straight from the freezer, and cook until heated through. No need to thaw!
Can This Pasta Be Made Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or just skip it altogether!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to revive the creaminess.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would work wonderfully for added protein. Just cook them separately and toss them in at the end for a complete meal.