This Sweet Corn Pasta is a fun and tasty dish that celebrates the sweet flavor of fresh corn. It’s creamy, simple to make, and perfect for any night of the week!
I love how the bright corn brings a cheerful touch to my plate. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a summer veggie! You can even throw in some herbs for extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti or linguine for this dish. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Sweet Corn: Fresh corn is best for sweetness. If it’s out of season, frozen corn works too! Just make sure it’s sweet corn, as it has that perfect flavor we’re after.
Heavy Cream: I often use heavy cream, but if you prefer a lighter option, coconut cream gives a nice flavor while keeping it dairy-free. You can also use plant-based creams for a vegan twist.
Parmesan Cheese: For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Fresh Basil: Don’t skip on the basil! If you don’t have it, fresh parsley could work as a substitute for a different but still fresh flavor.
How Can I Make the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce with this recipe is simple, but it’s crucial to follow a few key steps. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat when cooking the onions and garlic—this helps develop their flavor without burning.
- Let the corn roast for a minute without stirring to get some nice char, which adds depth.
- When adding the cream, keep the heat to a low simmer. This prevents the cream from curdling.
- If the sauce thickens too much, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
This method keeps the sauce creamy and ensures those delightful flavors shine through. Happy cooking!
Sweet Corn Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a dairy-free version)
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 small dried red chili or fresh chili, sliced (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (optional, for freshness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to have this tasty Sweet Corn Pasta ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or linguine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion or shallots and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent. This adds a lovely flavor to your dish!
3. Garlic and Chili Flakes:
Next, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Adding the Sweet Corn:
It’s time to add the sweet corn kernels to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, letting the corn get a little charred for extra flavor—just leave it sitting undisturbed for a minute before giving it a stir!
5. Making It Creamy:
Now pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter option) and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
6. Combining It All:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. If the sauce looks too thick, you can gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency!
7. Cheese and Seasoning:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Final Touch:
Remove the skillet from the heat and toss in the freshly sliced basil leaves for a burst of flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Sweet Corn Pasta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves, a few slices of chili, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a hint of lemon zest if you like. Enjoy every bite of this fresh, creamy pasta!
This Sweet Corn Pasta brings out the delightful sweetness of corn with a creamy texture and a touch of spice. Perfect for any pasta lover!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned corn if fresh corn isn’t available. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the skillet to reduce excess sodium and keep the flavors fresh!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, omit the Parmesan cheese, or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without any animal products!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions in the early steps of the recipe!
