Fresh corn is simmered and blended until smooth to give Pasta with Creamy Corn Sauce, Basil and Breadcrumbs a fresh, creamy sauce (without any cream). Topped with garlicky breadcrumbs and fresh basil, this pasta dish is begging to be your next late summer meal. 

I have to admit that this pasta dish was a purely selfish creation. It uses all of my favorite flavors and textures. But I feel certain you’ll love it every bit as much as I do. It has a creamy sauce made from blended sweet corn – one of the best flavors of late summer. On top is my favorite pasta topping – garlicky toasted breadcrumbs – an idea that comes from the Cook Smarts version of Spaghetti Salerno.

The result is a dish that’s not all that complicated (it uses just a few ingredients), though it does require you to get out the blender. The reward? The best creamy pasta sauce made without cream – just sweet, savory summer corn.

This recipe is:

• Fresh
• Colorful
• Crunchy
• Guest-Worthy
• Summer-Friendly
• Vegetarian
• Saucy

Ingredients

• Pasta – Use a fun shape that will soak up sauce. I used Gigli (bought from Trader Joe’s) which, through testing, feels like the perfect shape for this dish.
• Kosher Salt – Important! Make sure you season the pasta water generously with salt. That salted water is what will season and flavor the sauce. 
• Panko Breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are super crunchy and they add great texture on top of the pasta. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you nearly as much crunch. 
• Garlic – Saute these with the breadcrumbs for flavor. Keep an eye on them to be sure they don’t burn.
• Corn Kernels – These are the heart and soul of this dish. Slice them off fresh cobs for the best flavor, but frozen will work in a pinch. 
• Parmesan Cheese – This is the only other ingredient in the sauce. Parmesan + sweet corn + pasta water = the best creamy summer sauce.
• Fresh Basil – Don’t skip this. The fresh color and flavor of basil brightens the dish.

Possible Variations

• Make it Gluten-Free – Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko (Kikkoman makes a good one).
• Make it Dairy-Free – Use your favorite vegan / dairy-free substitutes for the parmesan and butter.

More Favorite Pasta Recipes

Skillet Chicken Pasta with Sweet Potato and Crispy Sage

Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Elote Pasta Carbonara

Instant Pot Italian Sausage Pasta