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Quick Creamy Street Corn Pasta Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring sweet corn, smoky spices, and a luscious sauce perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is fuss-free, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 ½ cups (about 2 ears) fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped, seeds removed (optional)
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole or 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of penne or rigatoni and cook according to package directions (usually 10–12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeño (if using), sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 1 ½ cups corn kernels and cook for 4–5 minutes until the corn starts to get a little charred, stirring occasionally.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring to melt it into the corn.
  5. Slowly pour in ½ cup (120 ml) milk while stirring to combine. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy corn sauce.
  7. Stir in ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Soften cream cheese before use to avoid lumps. Char corn properly for best flavor. Season in stages for layered taste. Jalapeño is optional and can be adjusted for heat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and cheeses. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, creamy pasta, street corn pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, corn pasta, smoky pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/quick-creamy-street-corn-pasta-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/