Elote Pasta Carbonara
This flavorful pasta is a complete mash-up, featuring the flavors of Elote (Mexican Street Corn) in a creamy, saucy Italian-inspired pasta. The result is a fast and colorful summer-friendly pasta.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Pasta / Noodles
Cuisine: Italian, Tex Mex
Keyword: easy pasta dinner, easy, weeknight-friendly, family friendly, pork, summer
Servings: 4
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $6.00
Stockpot
Skillet
Mixing Bowl
- 8 strips Bacon, chopped
- 2 cups Corn Kernels (use fresh or frozen)
- 12 oz Dried Spaghetti
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 large Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup grated Cotija Cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 tsp Tajin Seasoning (sub chili powder)
- Salt and Pepper
- Lime Wedges, for garnish
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to boil.
While water is coming to a boil, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes.
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Drain off all but a thin layer of bacon grease from the skillet.
Add corn to heated bacon grease and saute until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. If you’d like to get a bit of a char on the corn, keep cooking it until it turns golden brown in spots. Set aside.
By now the water should be boiling, so add spaghetti. Boil according to package directions. (Set a timer so that the pasta is al dente - tender but not overcooked.)
While pasta cooks, in a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, egg yolks, cotija cheese, and Tajin.
Drain pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Working quickly, add hot pasta to bowl with the egg mixture. Use tongs to toss the pasta in the eggs about 20 to 30 times. Let pasta rest for a minute and then toss again. If the sauce seems dry, add a small amount of the pasta water, tossing well again.
When the pasta is saucy and creamy, fold in corn and bacon, reserving a small amount if you'd like to use it as garnish.
Taste pasta and season with salt and pepper.
Divide pasta between bowls and top with any of the reserved corn, bacon, and / or cheese. Garnish with lime wedge. Sprinkle with some extra Tajin if you’d like. Serve immediately.
Calories: 676kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 3mg