Creamy Street Corn Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
This creamy street corn pasta highlights grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a tangy chili butter that elevate its flavors. Ideal for warm months and summer meals, you'll want this later.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Dairy and Cheese
01 -
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
02 -
1/3 cup sour cream
03 -
3/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
04 -
1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
05 -
4 tablespoons salted butter
→ Vegetables and Greens
06 -
2 cups grilled or roasted corn kernels, from 3 to 4 ears
07 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
08 -
1 avocado, diced
→ Herbs and Seasonings
09 -
1 to 2 garlic cloves, grated
10 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
11 -
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
12 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
14 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
15 -
1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
16 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Pantry and Staples
17 -
1 pound short pasta
18 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
19 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
20 -
2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a large salad bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic cloves, chopped chives, salt, black pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Use a spatula or whisk to mix until smooth and evenly incorporated.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta until al dente based on package directions. Drain immediately and while still hot, add the pasta to the cheese dressing. Toss well to coat. Fold in shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well distributed.
03 -
In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Once foaming and golden, add smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper to preference, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously and cook for one minute to bloom the spices. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 -
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or plain yogurt with freshly squeezed lime juice and a pinch of salt until homogeneous.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For optimal flavor, serve the salad slightly warm or at room temperature. Adjust cayenne pepper for your preferred level of heat.