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    Home > Recipes > Pasta and Noodles

    Pasta with Creamy Corn Sauce, Basil and Breadcrumbs

    Published: Aug 26, 2021 · Modified: Mar 12, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · 1 Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

    pasta with creamy corn sauce

    corn pasta in a grey bowl

    Fresh corn is simmered and blended until smooth to give this pasta 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

    pasta in a colander

    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.

    adding sauce to pasta in a dutch oven

    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.

    Other Favorite Pasta Recipes

    • Elote Pasta Carbonara
    • Spinach and Artichoke Baked Pasta
    • Chicken Enchilada Pasta
    • Creamy Cauliflower Baked Ziti
    • Lasagna Bolognese

    Favorite Tools

    • Cuisinart Stockpot with Strainer
    • Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
    • Stand Blender
    • Colander

    pasta with creamy corn sauce in a grey bowl with a fork

    corn pasta in a grey bowl
    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Pasta with Creamy Corn Sauce, Basil, and Breadcrumbs

    Fresh corn is simmered and blended until smooth to give this pasta 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.
    Don't forget to reserve ¾ cup of pasta water - you'll need it both to season the sauce and thin it out to the right consistency.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Pasta
    Keyword: corn recipe, easy dinner, easy, weeknight-friendly, kid-friendly, summer, vegetarian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 592kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $6.00

    Equipment

    • Stockpot
    • Skillet
    • Colander
    • Blender

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
    • 5 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, divided
    • ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
    • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
    • 12 oz Pasta, any fun shape (I used Gigli pasta)
    • 2 cups Corn Kernels, preferably fresh
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
    • Chopped Fresh Basil, for topping (optional)

    Instructions

    • Bring a large pot of water (for the pasta) to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
    • While the pasta water is coming to a boil, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoon butter. When butter melts, add breadcrumbs and garlic and saute until golden brown and fragrant, 4 to 6 minutes. (Note: If using unsalted butter, season the breadcrumbs with some salt.) Set aside. Return pan to medium heat.
    • At this point, the water for the pasta should be boiling. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
    • When pasta has been boiling for a few minutes, scoop out ¾ cup of pasta water and reserve it for the sauce.
    • To the heated skillet you used for the breadcrumbs, add remaining 2 tablespoon butter. Add corn and saute until corn is bright yellow and tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
    • Combine corn and reserved pasta water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
    • Drain pasta. Pour corn over pasta. Gently fold in parmesan cheese. Taste pasta and season with some salt, if needed.
    • Divide pasta between serving bowls.
    • Top pasta with fried breadcrumbs, chopped basil, and some extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 592kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 2150mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 582IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 2mg

    *This post contains affiliate links*

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate

      January 24, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      This sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply

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