Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant plate of pasta that bursts with the freshest summer flavors - sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked skinny fusilli that practically melts in your mouth. This Italian-inspired dish isn't just a meal; it's a quick, nutritious culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves effortless gourmet cooking, this recipe is about to become your new warm-weather obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz skinny fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, wash cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. If using fresh corn, carefully remove kernels from the cob; if using frozen, let them thaw.
- Add skinny fusilli pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly but maintain their shape.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the fusilli in a colander.
- Transfer pasta directly into the skillet with tomatoes and corn. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring an even distribution of tomatoes and corn.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Don't overcook the fusilli; aim for al dente texture by testing a strand 1-2 minutes before package instructions.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles.
- Use fresh corn when possible, but high-quality frozen corn works wonderfully too.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of fresh basil alongside the parsley.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the brightest, freshest flavors and prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
