Description
This creamy corn pasta is a delicious and easy summer dish made with sweet corn, pasta, Parmesan, and fresh basil. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn, kernels cut off (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fusilli, orecchiette, or shells)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and corn and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the corn is tender.
- Transfer half the corn mixture to a blender and add the Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon salt, several grinds of pepper, and ¼ cup pasta water. Blend until creamy.
- Return the blended mixture to the skillet with the remaining corn. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Stir in the lemon juice and basil. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed.
- Season to taste and serve with more Parmesan, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but frozen corn can work in a pinch.
- You can substitute pecorino for Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
