Creamy Street Corn Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)
A vibrant pasta dish with grilled corn, smoky spices, creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime finish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 pound short pasta (penne or rotini)
→ Vegetables & Herbs
02 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
03 -
2 cups grilled corn kernels (from 3-4 fresh ears)
04 -
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
05 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 -
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
07 -
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
08 -
1 whole avocado, diced
09 -
1-2 cloves garlic, grated
10 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
→ Dairy & Cheese
11 -
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
12 -
1/3 cup sour cream
13 -
3/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
14 -
1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
15 -
4 tablespoons salted butter
→ Condiments & Spices
16 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
17 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
18 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
19 -
1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
20 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise
21 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
22 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 -
In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, and crumbled cotija cheese. Whisk or stir until smooth and fully blended.
03 -
Toss the hot drained pasta immediately with the cream cheese dressing. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled corn kernels, torn basil, chopped cilantro, finely diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and diced spicy cheddar cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
04 -
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 60 seconds to bloom the spices, then remove from heat.
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and fresh lime juice until smooth. Gently fold diced avocado into the pasta salad, drizzle the lime dressing evenly over the salad, and top with spoonfuls of the warm chili butter just before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Use freshly grilled corn for authentic smoky flavor and toasting the butter spices intensifies their aroma.