Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, where sweet corn and tender zucchini dance together in a velvety sauce that will make your taste buds sing! This Italian-inspired Creamy Zucchini Corn Pasta is not just another dinner recipe - it's a quick, mouthwatering experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast looking for a new favorite, this dish promises to become your go-to comfort food that's both elegant and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 medium zucchinis, 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchinis and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden.
- Add the corn kernels to the skillet with the zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Gradually add in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the creamy zucchini corn sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the creamy zucchini corn pasta in bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta al dente and reserve some pasta water - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency!
- Vegetable Technique: Sauté zucchini on medium-high heat to achieve a slight golden color, which adds depth of flavor to your dish.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Fresh Herb Magic: Don't skip the fresh basil garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 575kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
