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Mexican Street Corn Pasta

Mexican Street Corn Pasta
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavorful weeknight dish combining al dente pasta with the zesty, smoky flavors of traditional Mexican street corn. This one-pan meal blends tangy lime, Cotija cheese, smoky spices, and fresh corn to create a comforting yet vibrant pasta perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Corn Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  2. Sauté the Corn: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly charred and fragrant, mimicking the smoky flavor of Mexican street corn.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed corn. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat all noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle cotija cheese generously over the pasta followed by chopped fresh cilantro. Toss lightly and serve immediately for the best creamy, cheesy experience.

Notes

  • Char the corn properly by sautéing over medium-high heat to develop smoky flavors without burning.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream amounts to control creaminess level.
  • Prepare components ahead and combine just before serving to prevent mushy noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, cotija cheese, one pan meal, gluten-free pasta, smoky pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/mexican-street-corn-pasta/