This creamy corn pasta is a delightful, comforting dish that comes together in no time. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!
Creamy Corn Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Vegetarian Dish
Who needs a calendar when your cravings announce the change of season? With summer drawing to a close, I find myself craving hearty dishes and this irresistible creamy corn pasta combination never fails to hit the spot.
This is a simple and satisfying recipe that is impossible not to love. The corn adds natural sweetness and a subtle pop of texture, perfectly balanced by the gentle, smoky heat of chipotle. Juicy tomatoes bring bursts of colour and freshness, while black beans boost the dish with plant-based protein. The creamy sauce is a clever twist: half of the corn is blended with some of the pasta cooking water, creating a silky, luscious coating that ties the entire dish together without the need for dairy.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this creamy corn pasta recipe is guaranteed to win over vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike.
I like to make this dish with fresh corn when it is in season. Out of season, you can of course use frozen corn which will need slightly a few more minutes to cook than fresh corn.
TOP TIP: when using fresh corn, don’t discard the cobs once the kernels have been removed, keep them to make a rich, flavour-packed vegetable stock alongside carrots, onion, celery etc.. zero waste, all taste.
🌱 MAKE IT VEGAN : You can easily make this creamy corn pasta vegan by swapping the cheese for plant-based alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Corn Pasta
- Sweet, Summery Flavours: corn adds a naturally sweet, crisp pop in every bite.
- Lusciously Creamy without Dairy: Half the corn is blended with pasta water to make a silky, indulgent sauce.
- Hearty Yet Light: Comforting pasta meets fresh, vibrant vegetables.
- Packed with Plant Power: Black beans add healthy protein.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in a flash, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Crowd-pleaser: A dish that wins over both vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike.
Other Pasta Recipes To Try
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Ingredients:
To make this creamy corn pasta, you will need:
- ears of corn (or frozen corn)
- pasta
- onion
- garlic
- chipotle flakes
- cherry tomatoes
- can black beans
- cheddar cheese of choice
- vegetable oil
- lemon juice
- salt
Step 1: Chop the Kernels
Chop the kernels off the corn ears and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Onion
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the onion until soft and golden, about 7 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted water according to packet instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving the cooking liquid. Return the pasta to the pan, toss in a little bit of oil and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Corn
In the meantime, add the garlic, chipotle flakes and corn kernels to the onion mixture. Season with salt. Stirring often, cook until the corn is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Transfer half of the corn mixture to a blender and whizz to a smooth sauce using 175ml (¾ US cup) of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to thin it down.
Step 6: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the tomatoes to the pan with the remaining corn mixture. Stirring often, cook until the tomatoes are soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Together & Serve This Creamy Corn Pasta
Add the pasta, black beans, creamy corn sauce and cheese in the pan and toss until everything is well combined. Add a little bit more of the pasta cooking liquid if the pasta needs to be loosened.
Season to taste with lemon juice and salt and serve straight away.
Storage and Reheating Tips for This Creamy Corn Pasta
This creamy corn pasta is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be just as delicious with proper storage and reheating. Here’s how to keep your pasta perfect:
Storage:
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop Method (Recommended): Heat the pasta with a splash of water or stock over medium heat. Stir gently until heated through, adding more liquid if needed to revive the sauce.
- Microwave Method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.
I hope you enjoy this creamy corn pasta recipe as much as we do. If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
Creamy Corn Pasta
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Watch How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion
- 360 g pasta
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 ½ tsp chipotle flakes
- 3 to 4 ears of corn (approx. 375g / 3 cups kernels)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 400 g can black beans rinsed and drained
- 100 g cheddar cheese of choice
- lemon juice to taste
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Chop the kernels off the corn ears and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the onion until soft and golden, about 7 minutes.
- Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted water according to packet instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving the cooking liquid. Return the pasta to the pan, toss in a little bit of oil and set aside.
- In the meantime, add the garlic, chipotle flakes and corn kernels to the onion mixture. Season with salt. Stirring often, cook until the corn is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer half of the corn mixture to a blender and whizz to a smooth sauce using 175ml (¾ US cup) of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to thin it down.
- Add the tomatoes to the pan with the remaining corn mixture. Stirring often, cook until the tomatoes are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the pasta, black beans, creamy corn sauce and cheese in the pan and toss until everything is well combined. Add a little bit more of the pasta cooking liquid if the pasta needs to be loosened.
- Season to taste with lemon juice and salt and serve straight away.
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/creamy-corn-pasta/
I cannot wait to see your posts!
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