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A close-up shot of a white bowl filled with creamy corn pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and black pepper.
Layla

Creamy Corn Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

This vibrant and comforting creamy corn pasta features sweet corn and burst cherry tomatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, finished with fresh basil and a hint of lemon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz short-cut pasta such as fusilli, orecchiette, or penne
  • 8 cups water for cooking pasta
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
For the Creamy Corn Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups sweet corn kernels fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes about 2 cups, halved if large
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese softened, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/2 lemon juiced (about 1.5-2 tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1/2 - 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 8 cups water with 1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Corn and Tomato Base
  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in the corn kernels. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn begins to lightly blister and caramelize.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and some begin to burst, releasing their juices.
Create the Creamy Sauce
  1. Pour in the vegetable broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese cubes. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped basil.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.