Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this creamy corn pasta because it perfectly combines comfort and sophistication with its rich, velvety sauce and bright lemony tang. Plus, the vibrant mix of fresh basil and sweet caramelized corn takes me right back to those warm summer days, adding a nostalgic twist to every delicious bite.

This Creamy Corn Pasta charms with its beguiling blend of sweet corn and savory Parmesan. Basil and a nip of red pepper flakes brighten the dish, and if you think that’s the whole secret to its vibrant flavor, then you’ve never met the lively combination of garlic and lemon juice.

Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Corn Kernels: Rich in fiber and natural sweetness, adding a sweet flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a creamy texture and richness, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory and umami notes, increasing the pasta’s flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats that help sauté ingredients, adding a subtle fruity taste.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus notes that balance the creaminess with a touch of acidity.

Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups of corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

How to Make this Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe

1. In a capacious saucepan, prepare the spaghetti or linguine as per the package directions, taking care to ensure it is cooked only until al dente. Set aside 1 cup of the water used to cook the pasta. Drain the pasta, and then place it back in the large pot.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and very finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and almost sweet, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Incorporate the corn and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the kernels to soften and caramelize a bit. If you like, you can add some red pepper flakes at this juncture.

4. Add the heavy cream, reduce the heat, and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, definitely making sure to blend it in. And. By the way. Season with salt and pepper. To taste. Hmm. Sounds as if somebody should have added it fairly generously. What was that again? Yes. Vigorously stirring the Parmesan into the sauce lends itself to having a smoothly melted cheese flavor. It is not needed for a cheese sauce, but if you did, you would probably want to make it pretty con. Not too firm not too runny. Hmm.

6. Combine the creamy corn sauce with the cooked pasta in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick to combine with the pasta, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time. Use just enough to get the sauce to a smooth, creamy consistency that clings nicely to the pasta.

7. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in some freshly squeezed lemon juice. This makes for one bright, tangy, and delicious dish.

8. Include the freshly chopped basil leaves in the next step, taking care to mix them gently into the pasta.

9. Add more salt, pepper or lemon juice as desired until taste is perfect.

10. Serve the Creamy Corn Pasta right away, adorned with more grated Parmesan and basil, if you’d like.

Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Large pot
3. Big frying pan
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Stirring spoon or spatula
9. Tongs
10. Lemon squeezer (optional)
11. Cheese grater
12. Colander

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?Absolutely, you can use any kind of pasta you like instead of the one called for in the recipe. Penne, fettuccine, or any other type of tubular or flat pasta can be good substitutes for the kind of pasta called for in this recipe. The main things to watch out for are:

  1. Not using an excessively long cooking time (because all types of pasta tend to keep cooking even after being drained and sauced, and some types of pasta can be overcooked easily).

  2. Not using a pasta that will truly fall apart or itself turn into a sauce. Ribbons of pasta that hang on to sauce are what we’re after here, and the only tubular pasta I’ve encountered that doesn’t do that is orzo.

• Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?Absolutely, you can substitute coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative in place of heavy cream, and use nutritional yeast in lieu of Parmesan to achieve a cheeselike flavor.
• How can I make this dish spicier?To amp up the heat, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper.
• Can frozen corn be used instead of fresh corn?Of course, just be sure to thaw the corn and dispose of any excess water before adding it to the recipe.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 days. After that, they should be disposed of. Store them in an airtight container.

  To reheat, try a stovetop or microwave. You might need to add a splash of cream or water to get the consistency right.

• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Although the sauce and corn can be made in advance, cooking the pasta fresh is best.
• What can I add to this dish for protein?Chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon can be excellent additions of protein to this pasta dish.

Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use fettuccine or tagliatelle in place of spaghetti or linguine.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option or a different taste.

List Elements:
1. Half-and-half
2. Coconut milk
Pecorino Romano cheese or nutritional yeast can be used to substitute Parmesan cheese in a recipe, making it dairy-free.
Basil from afar: sub with fresh cilantro or parsley for a truly different herbal flavor.
Juice from a lemon: Replace it with juice from a lime, or with white wine vinegar, for a jazzy, sharp taste.

Pro Tips

1. Reserve Pasta Water Wisely When cooking the pasta, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is perfect for adjusting the consistency of your sauce, and it helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Add it gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

2. Caramelize the Corn To enhance the natural sweetness of the corn, allow it to caramelize slightly in the pan. Don’t rush this step; let the kernels sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. This adds depth and complexity to the dish.

3. Balance the Flavors Lemon juice is crucial here, as it cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. Add it gradually and taste as you go to ensure it balances the flavors without overpowering the dish.

4. Fresh Basil at the End Add the fresh basil leaves at the very end of cooking and right before serving. This keeps their flavor vibrant and fresh, providing a fragrant contrast to the creamy sauce.

5. Cheese Integration When adding the Parmesan cheese, ensure the sauce is on low heat to allow it to melt smoothly without clumping. Stirring it in slowly and thoroughly ensures a creamy, even texture throughout the sauce.