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 3/4 cup of pasta water - you'll need it both to season the sauce and thin it out to the right consistency.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Pasta
Keyword: corn recipe, easy dinner, easy, weeknight-friendly, kid-friendly, summer, vegetarian
Servings: 4
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $6.00
Stockpot
Skillet
Colander
Blender
- 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- 5 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 12 oz Pasta, any fun shape (I used Gigli pasta)
- 2 cups Corn Kernels, preferably fresh
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
- Chopped Fresh Basil, for topping (optional)
Bring a large pot of water (for the pasta) to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp kosher salt.
While the pasta water is coming to a boil, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 Tbsp 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 3/4 cup of pasta water and reserve it for the sauce.
To the heated skillet you used for the breadcrumbs, add remaining 2 Tbsp 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!
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