This sweet corn pasta is a wonderful mix of tender pasta and sweet corn. It’s creamy, comforting, and so easy to whip up for a quick meal!
I love how colorful and cheerful this dish looks on my plate. Plus, it captures summer vibes all year round. Who can resist some sweet corn goodness? 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto the sauce. However, any similar shape like fusilli or even penne would work well. Choose whatever you have on hand!
Sweet Corn: Fresh sweet corn is great, but frozen corn is just as good. You can use canned corn, but rinse it well to reduce the sodium. I often go for frozen when I’m in a hurry.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a nice burst of flavor! If they’re out of season, use grape tomatoes or even regular diced tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time so they warm through.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is best for flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well.
Basil: Fresh basil makes a big difference in taste. If you don’t have it, try using a teaspoon of dried basil or some chopped spinach for color and nutrition.
How Do You Make This Pasta Creamy Without Overcooking It?
Getting that creamy texture is key without ruining the pasta! Here are some tips to make it perfect:
- Don’t overcook your pasta – aim for al dente so it holds up well with the sauce.
- Save some pasta water! It helps to mix everything together and creates a nice, creamy consistency. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Mix in the Parmesan and butter while the pasta is still hot. This helps them melt evenly, giving your dish that creamy feel.
- Keep the heat low when combining everything. High heat can dry it out, so just allow the ingredients to meld together gently.
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own!
How to Make Sweet Corn Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
For the Veggies:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional:
- 1 tbsp butter for extra creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sweet corn pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a tasty lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set it aside for later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to become fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Corn:
Next, toss in the sweet corn kernels. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing some kernels to get slightly charred. This adds a wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Mix in the Tomatoes:
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Just enough time for them to soften and burst with flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Turn the heat down to low. Now, add the drained pasta to your skillet with the veggies. Give everything a good toss to combine all the ingredients.
6. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like, the butter for a little extra creaminess. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to help coat the pasta nicely and create a creamy sauce. Just enough to achieve the texture you desire!
7. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go to make sure it’s just right for you!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take your skillet off the heat. Garnish your pasta with the fresh basil and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an added touch of flavor.
9. Enjoy!
Your creamy sweet corn pasta is ready! Serve it right away and enjoy every delicious bite, whether by yourself or shared with loved ones. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Pasta?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just as well as fresh corn. Just add it directly to the skillet without thawing—it’ll cook through quickly while the other ingredients are sautéing.
How Can I Store Leftover Sweet Corn Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to help restore moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Basil?
No worries! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with dried basil—just use about a teaspoon. Alternatively, chopped spinach or arugula can add some freshness too!
How Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the butter and Parmesan cheese. You can use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. The dish will still be delicious!
