Corn Pasta is ridiculously creamy without using any cream or milk. The secret is creamed corn! Itโs secretly healthy and easy to make year-round with canned or frozen corn.
authorโs note
My Latest Pasta Obsession!
This Corn Pasta with basil is based on a recipe by Melissa Clarkโs that uses fresh corn and pasta water to make the sauce. Since fresh corn is only around for a short time, I made my own version using canned creamed corn for the sauce and frozen corn for texture.
After trying a few mixes, I came up with this creamy pasta that I canโt stop making. My kids love it, and my husband was shocked thereโs no cream or milk. Iโm all about the corn + basil flavor, the smooth sauce, and how simple it is to make. (I even made another versionโcheck out the Vegetable Pasta too!)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Pasta shells | Cook 1 minute less than the package for perfect firmness. No shells? Farfalle and penne both work great. |
| Creamed corn | This is the magic. No cream needed, just blend it smooth. |
| Frozen corn | Adds texture and little pops of sweetness. |
| Green onions | Use the whites for cooking, save greens for garnish. |
| Parmesan cheese | Freshly grate for best melt and flavor. |
| Fresh basil | Brightens everything. Swap for parsley if needed. |
How To Make Corn Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water.
At the same time, cook green onions and garlic, then mix with creamed corn and a small amount of pasta water to make a smooth sauceโno heavy cream needed.
Cook frozen corn, add the sauce, then mix with hot pasta and a bit more pasta water to bring it all together. Add Parmesanโsweet corn, pasta, and cheese is so good.
Quick Tip
A lot of pasta recipes call for โreserved pasta waterโ which simply means youโll pull water out from the pot where the pasta is boiling in. Yes, pasta water looks a bit less than appetizing, but itโs filled with leftover starch from the boiling pasta and plenty of salt โ just what we need for this Corn Pasta recipe! ย
What Is Creamed Corn?
Creamed corn (or cream-style corn) is a canned food with no real creamโjust blended and whole corn kernels stirred together.
Another good thing? You donโt need fresh corn. Canned or frozen both work and still give great flavor!
Quick Tip
I use creamed corn in this popular Chicken Corn Chowder and Thanksgiving-favorite Corn Casserole!
Corn Pasta Toppings
- Fresh basil: Itโs not as easy to find in winter, but I can usually grab a small container or plant at the store. It adds great flavorโCorn Pasta isnโt just for summer!
- Red pepper flakes: Like some heat? Sprinkle a little on each bowl.
- Extra Parmesan: I shred a bit on top with a fine graterโit melts in and gives the cheese a great feel.
chelseaโs recipe tip
My Top Tips For Success
- Blend well: Use a strong blender for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Tear basil: I learned this while making bruschetta in an Italian cooking classโtear, donโt cut! It helps the basil stay fresh and green.
- Salt pasta water: This is your only chance to season the pasta, so donโt skip it.
More Favorite Corn Recipes:
Soups And Stews
Corn Chowder Recipe
Salads
Quinoa Corn Salad
Salads
Corn Salad Recipe
Side Dishes
The Best Creamed Corn EVER!
Corn Pasta
Video
Ingredients
- Salt and pepper
- 4 cups medium shells pasta uncooked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can cream style sweet corn see note 1
- 1-1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese see note 2
- 1/2 cup torn basil or more to taste, see note 3
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructionsย
- Set a large colander in the sink with a glass mug or liquid measuring cup in the center of the colander (so you donโt forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta!). Bring a large pot (5.5-quart or bigger) of water to boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water (I add 1 tablespoon fine sea salt). Return to a boil, then add the shells. Cook according to package directions, subtracting 1 minute. Before draining, remove 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. Do not rinse.
- Meanwhile, thinly slice the green onionsโjust the whites and light green parts (about 1/2 cup). Discard or save the dark green parts for another recipe. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to a large pot or sautรฉ pan over medium heat. Once melted, add sliced green onions and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. (Just dip a measuring cup into the pot if the pasta is still boiling.) Stir. Add the can of creamed corn and mix.
- Simmer for 3โ5 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of the mixture from the pot to a blender. Blend mixture (see note 4) until very smooth (about 1โ2 minutes on high), adding a little extra water if needed to get a thick but pourable texture.
- While the mixture is blending, return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and melt. Once melted, add in frozen corn and cook for 1 minute. Add in the blended corn mixture and mix. Reduce heat to medium and simmer to combine flavors until pasta is done cooking.
- Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss vigorously to coat. While tossing, gradually add in the Parmesan, adding 2 tablespoons at a time. Toss and cook for 1 minute; add a little more of the pasta water if the mixture seems too thick. Continue to toss until sauce is thick and coats the pasta nicely. Taste and add additional salt and pepper to taste (I typically add 1/2 up to 1 teaspoon pepper and another pinch of salt). Mix in the herbs and serve.
- Serve plates, garnishing with additional basil and Parmesan if desired and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Variations
Corn Pasta Variations
- Creamy corn pasta with bacon and scallions: Finely chop 4-6 slices of bacon and cook it first. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Then, instead of adding butter to sautรฉ the green onions, sautรฉ them in the leftover bacon grease instead! Top pasta with the set aside bacon and voila!
- Pasta with sweet corn, tomatoes, and basil: if youโd like to add some tomatoes, sautรฉ some cherry tomatoes with the frozen corn.
- Swap the pasta: Feel free to use a different pasta shape; try penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Vegan corn pasta: Use vegan butter and leave out the Parmesan. You may need some extra spices and salt to make up for the lack of cheese.
Hi! How much salt do you suggest to put in the pasta water?
1 tablespoon
As your sister, I have another favorite recipe!! This has become a staple in our house! Thanks chelsea!
I am thrilled youโre loving this Corn Pasta! Thanks Callie! ๐
Itโs your sister! I canโt believe how creamy this was! It was amazing!!
So glad you enjoyed this Corn Pasta! Thanks Heather! ๐