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corn pasta recipe

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This creamy corn pasta is a simple and flavorful summer dish featuring sweet corn blended into a luscious sauce—no cream required. Bright basil, tangy lemon, and savory pecorino bring it all together.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 ounces shell pasta

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Kernels from 4 ears fresh corn (about 3 cups)

2 shallots, chopped (about 2/3 cup)

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese (or Parmesan)

1 cup fresh basil leaves

Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1½ cups pasta water, then drain and toss pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the shallots are soft and corn is tender and bright yellow. Turn off heat.
  3. Transfer half of the corn mixture to a blender. Add ½ cup reserved pasta water and lemon juice, then blend until smooth.
  4. Return skillet to low heat. Add pasta and corn puree, tossing to coat. Add cheese and ¼ cup pasta water. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Add more water if needed for consistency.
  5. Season to taste with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice. Fold in half the basil, then garnish with remaining basil and red pepper flakes. Serve with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn when in season for best flavor, but frozen can substitute in a pinch.
  • Orecchiette also works well in place of shells.
  • Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
  • Blend well for a silky, non-grainy sauce texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/corn-pasta-recipe/