Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry shell or orecchiette pasta
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels, divided
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1/3 cup torn fresh basil or mint, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups of pasta cooking water.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in an extra-large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir regularly and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, around 1 minute.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and 1 3/4 cups of corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer until the corn is tender and heated through. This will take about 2 minutes for canned corn, 3 minutes for frozen corn, and 6 minutes for fresh corn. Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
5. Once cooled, transfer the corn mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. If necessary, add more pasta water to help blend the mixture to a creamy consistency.
6. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of corn and cook over medium heat until tender and heated through, about 1 minute.
7. Add the corn puree to the skillet and cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 2 minutes, until the mixture is heated through.
8. Stir in the cooked pasta along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Add Parmesan cheese and optional crushed red pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water as needed.
9. Finish by stirring in fresh basil and lemon juice. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
10. Serve the pasta with extra basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 421 Calories

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Total Fat	17g	22%
Saturated Fat	10g	48%
Cholesterol	41mg	14%
Sodium	626mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	59g	21%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Total Sugars	16g	-
Protein	11g	21%
Vitamin C	2mg	3%
Calcium	123mg	9%
Iron	1mg	8%
Potassium	184mg	4%

Origin and History

The creamy corn pasta is a modern American creation, inspired by the growing trend of incorporating seasonal vegetables into everyday dishes. Corn, being a staple ingredient in American cuisine, especially in the Midwest, has found its way into various pasta recipes. This dish blends the rich sweetness of corn with the comfort of pasta, creating a creamy, satisfying meal. While there are no specific historical roots to this dish, its combination of simple ingredients and homey flavors reflects the values of comfort food in American culinary traditions.

Regional Characteristics

This pasta dish is particularly popular in the Midwest, where corn is a key agricultural product. The use of fresh, frozen, or canned corn allows it to be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile addition to various meals. The method of pureeing the corn to create a smooth, creamy sauce is a regional innovation that enhances the corn's natural sweetness, elevating a humble vegetable to a sophisticated sauce for pasta.

Comparison to Similar Dishes

While there are many creamy pasta dishes around the world, the creamy corn pasta stands out due to its use of corn as the primary flavoring ingredient. Unlike classic creamy pasta dishes, such as Alfredo or Carbonara, which rely on dairy-based sauces for richness, this dish uses pureed corn to provide both creaminess and sweetness. The added corn kernels provide a delightful texture contrast, making it unique compared to other creamy pasta dishes that are typically smoother in consistency.

Common Places to Serve

This dish is commonly served as a side dish at summer barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday dinners. Its versatility also allows it to be paired with grilled meats like chicken or seafood, making it a great option for both casual and more formal meals. In some areas, it can even be served as a vegetarian main course, especially when topped with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Interesting Facts

• While corn has been grown in the United States for thousands of years, its incorporation into pasta dishes is a relatively recent culinary development.
• The creamy texture of this pasta dish comes from blending cooked corn into a smooth sauce, which provides a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
• This dish can be customized by adding different types of herbs, such as basil, mint, or even thyme, depending on what is in season or to suit individual tastes.
• Corn is not only a staple food but also a symbol of American agriculture, representing the bounty of the land and the innovation of the farm-to-table movement.

FAQ about Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe

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