Creamy Summer Corn Pasta
Creamy Summer Corn Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer with fresh corn, a light creamy sauce, and vibrant herbs. It's a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (Bucatini or Fettuccine)
- 4 to 5 ears Fresh Sweet Corn, husks removed and kernels cut off the cob
- 2 medium Shallots, finely minced
- 3 cloves Garlic, freshly minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgi
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (Plain, Low-fat)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, torn or chiffonade
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, optional
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until it is just al dente. Before draining, scoop out at least one cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallots and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for one minute.
- Cook the Corn: Increase heat slightly and add fresh corn kernels. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until some kernels are golden-brown.
- Create the Creamy Base: Blend half of the cooked corn mixture with a splash of reserved pasta water and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Pour the blended corn sauce back into the skillet with remaining corn. Add cooked pasta and half of the remaining pasta water along with grated Parmesan. Toss together using tongs.
- Emulsify and Finish: Toss pasta over low heat, adding more pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.
- Final Seasoning: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and torn basil leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Do not discard corn cobs; scrape out the 'corn milk' for added flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. Manage heat to prevent curdling of dairy. Always add basil at the end for freshness.