Creamy Corn Pasta: Your Go-To Healthy & Dairy-Free Dinner

Prepare to be amazed by this **Creamy Corn Pasta**, a dish so luxuriously smooth and rich, you’d never guess it’s made without any heavy cream or milk! The secret to its unbelievable creaminess lies in one surprising ingredient: creamed corn. This makes our corn pasta not only ridiculously delicious but also secretly healthy and incredibly easy to whip up any time of the year, thanks to the versatility of canned or frozen corn.

If your heart beats for the sweet, vibrant flavor of corn, you absolutely must try our popular Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for another delightful corn-infused creation!

My Latest Pasta Obsession: Reinventing Corn Pasta

As a passionate home cook, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that combine comfort with convenience, and a touch of unexpected genius. This Corn Pasta with fresh basil sprang from an inspiration by the brilliant Melissa Clark, whose original recipe utilized fresh corn and pasta water to create a silky sauce. While I adore the taste of fresh summer corn, its season is fleeting, and I wanted a creamy corn pasta that could be enjoyed year-round.

This challenge led me to experiment with pantry staples, ultimately discovering the magic of canned creamed corn for the sauce, perfectly complemented by frozen corn for added texture and sweet bursts of flavor. After several iterations, I landed on this specific mix, resulting in a creamy pasta that has become an absolute staple in my kitchen – a dish I truly can’t stop making! My kids devour it, and my husband was genuinely shocked when he learned there was no cream or milk involved. For me, it’s the perfect harmony of sweet corn and fragrant basil, the incredibly smooth sauce, and its sheer simplicity that make this recipe a winner. And if you love veggie-packed meals, be sure to check out my Vegetable Pasta for another family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Corn Pasta

• **Effortlessly Creamy:** Achieves a rich, velvety texture without any dairy cream, making it a lighter yet deeply satisfying option.
• **Secretly Healthy:** Packed with vegetables and minimal fats, this corn pasta offers a guilt-free indulgence.
• **Year-Round Enjoyment:** Utilizes readily available canned and frozen corn, ensuring you can savor this dish regardless of the season.
• **Quick & Easy:** Perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in under 30 minutes.
• **Family Favorite:** A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore, surprisingly convincing even the most skeptical dairy-lovers.
• **Bursting with Flavor:** The natural sweetness of corn combined with fresh basil and savory Parmesan creates an unforgettable taste profile.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Corn Pasta

Creating this incredibly flavorful and creamy corn pasta requires a handful of simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature taste and texture:

• Pasta Shells: We recommend medium pasta shells as their concave shape perfectly captures the luscious corn sauce. For an ideal al dente bite, cook them just one minute shy of the package instructions. If shells aren’t on hand, feel free to substitute with other short pasta shapes like farfalle (bow-tie pasta), penne, or rotini, which also do an excellent job of holding the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our sautéed aromatics, unsalted butter allows us to control the overall saltiness of the dish, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Also known as scallions, the white and light green parts of green onions provide a delicate, mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn without overpowering it. Remember to save the darker green tops for a beautiful garnish or another culinary creation!
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an essential aromatic depth. Cook it gently until just fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid any bitterness that can arise from overcooking.
• Creamed Corn and Frozen Corn: This dynamic duo is the heart of our corn pasta. The **creamed corn** is the undisputed secret weapon for achieving that smooth, rich, and naturally sweet sauce. Alongside it, **frozen corn kernels** provide lovely texture and bursts of sweet, whole corn flavor, making every bite satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best melting consistency and a truly superior taste, always grate your Parmesan fresh from a block. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and may alter the flavor.
• Fresh Basil: The vibrant, peppery sweetness of fresh basil is a non-negotiable component for this dish, enhancing the corn’s natural sweetness and adding a layer of fresh, herbaceous flavor. While not ideal, flat-leaf parsley can be a substitute if basil is absolutely unavailable.

How To Make Creamy Corn Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this delicious corn pasta is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, creamy result every time:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of generously salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your chosen pasta shells and cook them one minute less than the package directs to achieve a perfect al dente texture. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – it’s crucial for the sauce! Then, drain your pasta and set it aside without rinsing.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced white and light green parts of the green onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
3. Create the Creamy Corn Sauce: Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan with the aromatics and stir. Then, incorporate the can of creamed corn. Simmer this mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Blend for Ultimate Smoothness: Carefully transfer the corn mixture from the pan to a blender. Process on high for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is incredibly smooth and velvety. If needed, add a tiny splash more pasta water to achieve a thick but pourable consistency. This blending step is key to replicating that “cream-like” texture.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the pan to medium-high heat. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the frozen corn and cook for 1 minute until lightly thawed and bright. Pour in the freshly blended creamy corn sauce and mix well, letting it simmer gently while you wait for the pasta to finish cooking.
6. Toss and Serve: Add the drained pasta and another 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss vigorously to coat every strand of pasta in the rich sauce. While tossing, gradually add the finely grated Parmesan cheese, about 2 tablespoons at a time, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Continue to toss and cook for another minute. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more pasta water until it beautifully coats the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed (I often add another 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of pepper). Finally, stir in the torn fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Enjoy!

What Is Creamed Corn? The Secret to a Dairy-Free Sauce

Creamed corn, often found in a can labeled “cream-style corn,” is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. Despite its name, traditional creamed corn contains no actual cream or milk! It’s simply a clever preparation where about half of the corn kernels are pureed or “creamed,” and then mixed with the remaining whole kernels. This creates a naturally thick, slightly sweet, and wonderfully smooth base that mimics the richness of dairy cream, making it the perfect foundation for our healthy and creamy corn pasta sauce.

The beauty of creamed corn is its convenience. You don’t need fresh corn for this recipe; canned or frozen varieties work perfectly and still deliver fantastic flavor and texture year-round. It’s a pantry staple that unlocks incredible creaminess and sweetness.

Elevate Your Corn Pasta: Delicious Topping Ideas

While this creamy corn pasta is fantastic on its own, a few thoughtful toppings can elevate it to an even more extraordinary meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to garnish and add extra flavor:

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves, torn just before serving, brings a burst of aromatic freshness and beautiful color. Even in winter, you can often find small containers of fresh basil at the grocery store, ensuring this dish isn’t just for summer!
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet corn and creamy sauce. Sprinkle them directly onto individual servings so everyone can customize their spice level.
• Extra Parmesan: A final flourish of finely grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the warm pasta, adding another layer of salty, umami goodness. Using a fine grater creates delicate shreds that dissolve perfectly, enhancing the dish’s luxurious feel.
• Crispy Bacon Bits: If you’re not keeping it vegetarian, crumbled crispy bacon adds a fantastic smoky, salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn.
• Chives: For a milder onion flavor and a pop of green, finely chopped fresh chives make an excellent garnish.

Expert Tips for Flawless Corn Pasta Every Time

To ensure your creamy corn pasta turns out perfectly luscious and flavorful, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Blend the Sauce Thoroughly: The key to achieving that incredibly smooth, dairy-like consistency is thorough blending. Use a high-powered blender and process the creamed corn mixture until it’s completely silky. Any remaining corn pieces will detract from the desired creamy texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Tear, Don’t Cut the Basil: This is a little trick I picked up during an Italian cooking class while making bruschetta. Tearing fresh basil leaves, rather than chopping them with a knife, helps prevent bruising, which can cause the basil to oxidize and turn dark. Tearing small pieces also releases the herb’s essential oils more gently, enhancing its fresh flavor and keeping it bright green in your dish.
• Generously Salt the Pasta Water: This is perhaps one of the most crucial steps in any pasta recipe. Pasta absorbs flavor from the water it cooks in, and if the water isn’t adequately seasoned, your pasta will taste bland, no matter how delicious your sauce is. The water should taste “like the sea” – pleasantly salty. This initial seasoning makes a significant difference in the overall taste of your finished corn pasta.
• Don’t Forget the Reserved Pasta Water: As highlighted earlier, this starchy water is your best friend for emulsifying the sauce and achieving the perfect consistency. Always keep a measuring cup nearby when draining pasta!
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different, and the saltiness of ingredients like Parmesan can vary. Always taste your sauce before mixing with pasta, and again after everything is combined. Adjust salt, pepper, and even a pinch of sugar if your corn isn’t sweet enough, to your personal preference.

Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

This secretly healthy Corn Pasta is ultra-creamy—without cream or milk! The secret? Creamed corn! It’s delicious year-round with canned or frozen corn.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Recipe Video

For a visual guide, watch the accompanying video to see how easily this creamy corn pasta comes together, step by delicious step!

Equipment

• Large pot 5.5-quart or bigger
• Large pan or large pot
• Blender

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
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup torn basil or more to taste
• Red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

1. Set a large colander in the sink with a glass mug or liquid measuring cup (so you remember to reserve some pasta water!). 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.
2. Meanwhile, thinly slice the green onions—just 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 sauté 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.
3. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of the mixture from the pot to a blender. Blend mixture until very smooth (about 1–2 minutes on high), adding a little extra water if needed to get a thick but pourable texture.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Serve plates, garnishing with additional basil and Parmesan if desired and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Creamed Corn Clarification: Creamed corn (or cream-style corn) is a canned product that does not contain actual dairy cream. It’s made by pureeing about half of the fresh corn kernels and mixing them with the remaining whole kernels, creating a naturally thick and creamy consistency.

Note 2: Parmesan Cheese Quality: For the best flavor and melting quality, it’s highly recommended to grate a block of Parmesan using the small holes of a grater. Alternatively, use finely grated Parmesan cheese. Canned Parmesan is often too salty and contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.

Note 3: The Importance of Basil: Fresh basil adds an incredible layer of flavor that truly elevates this recipe. While I highly recommend including it, if you are not a fan or can’t find it, flat-leaf Italian parsley can be used as an alternative.

Note 4: Blender Safety: When blending hot liquids, always secure the lid tightly and remove the small cap in the center of the lid (if applicable) to allow steam to escape. Cover the opening with a folded towel and hold it firmly to prevent splattering. Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high. Be cautious when removing the lid to release steam.

Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Corn Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pan to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 584 kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 19.8g | Fat: 17.5g | Cholesterol: 37.7mg | Sodium: 198.1mg | Fiber: 5.7g | Sugar: 11.3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

This creamy corn pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy family dinner, or a unique way to enjoy corn, this dish promises to impress. Give it a try, and prepare to add it to your regular rotation!