This Easy Creamy Corn Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce with sweet corn, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for a fresh yet comforting bite in every forkful.
This dish is incredibly versatile - it works beautifully with fresh corn at the peak of summer or frozen corn for a quick, cozy meal any time of year. It comes together in just 20 minutes and pairs well with salads, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try our Lemon Ricotta Pasta or Cauliflower Alfredo next.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, this fresh corn pasta is perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen.
- Fresh, bright flavors. The combination of sweet corn, lemon, and fresh basil adds a refreshing twist to classic creamy pasta, making it feel light yet indulgent.
- Works year-round. Whether you use fresh summer corn or frozen corn in the winter, this creamy corn pasta with basil is always delicious and easy to make.
- Customizable and versatile. Add extra veggies, swap cheeses, or include a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make this summer corn pasta recipe your own.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this delicious creamy corn pasta, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- pasta - We used penne pasta because it holds sauce well. Substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti if preferred.
- butter - Adds richness to the sauce. You can use olive oil for a slightly lighter flavor.
- flour - Helps thicken the sauce. Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
- garlic - Freshly minced garlic adds depth. Garlic powder works in a pinch.
- corn - Fresh or frozen corn kernels both work. If using fresh, either slice kernels off raw for a crisp, fresh taste (they'll cook lightly in the sauce) or boil the cobs first for a softer, cooked flavor.
- heavy cream or half-and-half - Heavy cream yields a richer sauce. Half-and-half works for a lighter version.
- lemon juice - Brightens the flavor. Fresh is best.
- Parmesan cheese or pecorino cheese - Parmesan is classic; Pecorino adds a sharper, saltier edge.
- salt and pepper - For seasoning to taste.
- fresh basil - Adds a burst of freshness. Substitute with parsley if preferred.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a large pot for boiling pasta, a large skillet, a whisk, and tongs or a spoon for tossing pasta.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Start the sauce base. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until sizzling, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flavor.
- Add garlic and corn. Stir in the garlic and corn, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the corn begins to soften.
- Build the creamy sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Stir constantly over medium heat for about 1 minute until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cheese. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. For a looser sauce, add more pasta water as needed.
- Season and combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained pasta and fresh basil to the skillet, tossing until well coated.
- Serve. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Top Tip: Reserve Your Pasta Water
Don't skip saving some of your pasta water! The starchy liquid is the secret to achieving a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Add it gradually while tossing the pasta with the sauce to loosen the consistency and create a glossy, creamy finish.
More Tips and Tricks
- Salt the pasta water generously. This seasons the pasta from the inside out and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice keeps the sauce bright and balanced against the richness of the cream.
- Taste before serving. Adjust seasoning, cheese, and lemon to taste right before serving for perfect flavor balance.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta all work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Add more veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers make great additions for color and nutrition.
- Try a different cheese. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a blend of cheeses can change the flavor profile.
- Spicy twist. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a gentle heat that balances the creamy richness.
- Herb upgrade. Swap basil for fresh tarragon, thyme, or chives to give the dish a different herbal note and more complexity.
- Roasted corn flavor. Char or roast the corn before adding it to the sauce to deepen its sweetness and add a smoky flavor.
Storage
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
How to Freeze
Freeze sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
This easy pasta is delicious served on its own, or paired with a salad, veggies, and some crusty bread.
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this easy creamy corn pasta:
Side Dishes for Pasta
For more recipe ideas, check out our collection of pasta side dishes, featuring everything from fresh salads and roasted vegetables to crusty breads and flavorful appetizers that pair perfectly with any pasta dinner.
FAQ
Yes. You can make the sauce ahead and store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, combine with freshly cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water or cream to refresh the texture and flavor.
To make your pasta sauce creamier, use heavy cream or add an extra splash of pasta water as it cooks to emulsify with the cheese. Stirring Parmesan in gradually while tossing the pasta also helps achieve a velvety consistency. This creates a smooth, luscious coating on every strand of pasta.
A classic cream sauce typically includes a dairy base (such as cream or milk), butter, and flour to thicken. Parmesan or Pecorino cheese is often added for flavor. Many variations also include garlic, herbs, or citrus for brightness. The beauty is in its simplicity and adaptability.
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta are excellent ways to boost the protein in creamy corn pasta. For vegetarian options, white beans or chickpeas add protein while keeping it meat-free. All pair well with the creamy corn, basil, and Parmesan flavors in the sauce.
Lemon juice brightens and balances the richness of the cream sauce, preventing it from tasting too heavy. It also enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and makes the basil taste fresher. A small squeeze can transform the overall flavor, making it more vibrant and layered.
More Pasta Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Easy Creamy Corn Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Creamy Corn Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce with sweet corn, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for a fresh yet comforting bite in every forkful.
Ingredients
- ½ pound (8 ounces) penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen (kernels from about 3 small ears fresh corn)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (or pecorino cheese), freshly grated (plus more for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (and more for garnish, if desired)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until sizzling, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flavor.
- Stir in the garlic and corn, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the corn begins to soften.
- Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Stir constantly over medium heat for about 1 minute until smooth and slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. For a looser sauce, add more pasta water as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained pasta and fresh basil to the skillet, tossing until well coated.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
How to store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
How to freeze: Freeze sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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