This Sweet Corn Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Packed with fresh corn and a hint of sweetness, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up. Just toss the pasta with some corn, butter, and a sprinkle of cheese, and you have a tasty meal in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for its spiral shape, which holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow ties will work just fine!
Sweet Corn: Fresh sweet corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn is a great alternative. It’s usually harvested at peak freshness and makes a quick option for busy nights. You can also use canned corn if that’s what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a different twist. Just be careful with the heat to avoid curdling!
Parmesan Cheese: I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option can work as a nice substitute.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Has the Perfect Texture?
Cooking pasta to the right texture is crucial for this dish. Here are a few tips:
- Always salt your boiling water! It enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente; it should have a little bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
With these steps, you’ll ensure the pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors in your Sweet Corn Pasta!
Sweet Corn Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced thin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Corn Pasta takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and once you start, you’ll be enjoying the creamy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). When done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water (this will help adjust the sauce later) and then drain the pasta. Set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Corn:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil and unsalted butter together over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Then, stir in the corn kernels and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender and slightly golden. This adds a great flavor!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream into the skillet with the corn and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly, for about 2-3 minutes. This will create that rich, creamy sauce we love!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy corn mixture. If you find the sauce is too thick, don’t worry! Just add a little of that reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Stir in Cheese and Season:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce beautifully. Now, season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Give it a good mix!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your pasta with sliced green onions, fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (if you like), and extra grated Parmesan on top. It’s ready to serve!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dish out your comforting Sweet Corn Pasta onto plates and dig into this delightful, creamy dish that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for this dish, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it’s al dente!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to add the yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, use plant-based pasta, substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or non-dairy milk to help loosen the pasta and sauce.
