Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Creamy, zesty, and bursting with smoky grilled corn flavor, this pasta is a fiesta in every bite.
Total: 30 minPrep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes 4
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne works great)
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears)
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or vegan sour cream)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Cilantro leaves for garnish
Steps
- 1 Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- 2 While pasta cooks, heat corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat until lightly charred, about 5 minutes.
- 3 In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- 4 Add cooked pasta and charred corn to the bowl; toss to coat.
- 5 Stir in cotija cheese, green onions, and jalapeño.
- 6 Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7 Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro.
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Tips
- For extra smokiness, grill the corn on a grill pan or outdoor grill.
- Feel free to add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- If you like it spicy, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh avocado salad or a simple green salad.
- Serve with warm tortilla chips on the side for scooping up extra sauce.
FAQ
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, thaw and sauté the frozen corn until heated through before adding to the pasta.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese or a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast works well.