Creamy Corn Pasta With Basil

When the summer corn is at its peak sweetness, there’s nothing quite like a creamy corn pasta dish to celebrate the season. This Creamy Corn Pasta with Basil recipe is a family favorite, blending the fresh flavors of summer with the comfort of a warm pasta bowl.

This dish is incredibly simple to whip up, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love It

This Creamy Corn Pasta with Basil is a summertime dream. The sweet corn flavor shines through, beautifully balanced by the fresh basil and rich Parmesan. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that fresh summer corn!

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What You’ll Need

This Creamy Corn Pasta with Basil comes together with a handful of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Pasta: 12 ounces of orecchiette or farfalle. These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Corn: Two large ears of sweet corn, shucked and kernels removed. This is where the magic happens! About 2 cups of kernels.
• Scallions: One bunch, thinly sliced, keeping whites and greens separate. They add a gentle oniony flavor.
• Basil: ⅓ cup, torn. Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated. Because everything’s better with Parmesan!
• Butter: 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, plus more for drizzling. For sautéing and a finishing touch.
• Seasoning: Fine sea salt, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), and fresh lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta (orecchiette or farfalle) and cook according to package directions, until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Purée

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and a pinch of salt; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ¼ cup of water and all but ¼ cup of the corn kernels; simmer until the corn is heated through and almost tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a blender and purée until smooth, adding a little extra water if needed for a thick but pourable texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Corn and Combine with Purée

Return the same skillet to high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the reserved ¼ cup of corn kernels and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. It’s okay if the butter browns slightly; it adds a nice depth of flavor. Add the corn purée and cook for 30 seconds to heat through and combine the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked pasta and half of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat. Cook for 1 minute, then add a bit more pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in ¼ cup of the chopped scallion greens, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup of torn basil, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), and another ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice to taste. Transfer the pasta to warm bowls and garnish with more scallions, basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper.

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the butter slightly when you sauté the reserved corn kernels. This adds a nutty depth to the sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese. For a richer flavor, grate it fresh yourself. For other easy dinner recipes, check out our Dinner page.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. A pinch adds a touch of heat, while a bit more provides a delightful kick.

Flavor Twists

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
• Herb Swap: Substitute the basil with fresh mint, parsley, or chives for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a heartier meal. Get inspired by our other great recipe ideas.
• Creamy Dreamy: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
• Protein Power: Toss in some cooked shrimp, chicken, or Italian sausage for a complete protein-packed meal.

How to Serve

This Creamy Corn Pasta with Basil is a satisfying meal on its own. However, if you want to create a fuller dinner, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, some grilled chicken or fish, or crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. If you’re a fan of corn, be sure to check out our other delicious corn recipes.

That’s a Wrap

This Creamy Corn Pasta with Basil is pure summer comfort. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for a casual weekend gathering. It’s a delightful way to savor the sweetness of fresh corn. Try it tonight, and let me know what you think! Share your culinary creations with me over on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram! For more delicious pasta dishes, be sure to explore our Dinner Recipes.