Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this absolutely irresistible Italian-inspired pasta that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine twirly orecchiette pasta embraced by a luxurious cream sauce, sweet golden corn kernels, and vibrant basil pesto - this dish is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings, this recipe delivers gourmet flavors in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw the kernels completely.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden and heated through.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the skillet with corn to medium-low heat. Add heavy cream and stir gently, allowing the cream to warm and slightly thicken.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the corn and cream. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the basil pesto, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy liquid is magical for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- For extra flavor, consider using fresh corn when in season for a sweeter, more vibrant taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, which means the pasta should have a slight bite in the center.
- Warm your serving plates to keep the pasta hot and prevent it from cooling down too quickly.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese grated directly over the dish makes a world of difference in flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 558kcal
Carbohydrates: 71g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
