Get ready to experience a burst of seasonal flavors that will transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet celebration! This Summer Tomato Corn Pasta is not just a recipe—it's a vibrant culinary journey that captures the essence of summer in every single bite. Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta, surrounded by juicy cherry tomatoes and sweet corn kernels, all kissed with fragrant basil and a touch of garlic. This dish is so easy to make, yet so impressive that your family and friends will think you've been secretly training with a professional chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Add the 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Next, add the 1 cup of corn kernels to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the corn to heat through and the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato and corn mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to help combine and create a light sauce. Stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped basil, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the pasta warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.
Tips
- Use the freshest ingredients possible—summer corn and ripe cherry tomatoes make all the difference in this recipe.
- Don't skip reserving pasta water; it's the secret to creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- For extra flavor, try using slightly charred corn kernels by briefly grilling them before adding to the skillet.
- Choose a pasta shape with good sauce-holding capabilities like fusilli, rotini, or penne.
- If you want to make this dish even more substantial, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Always add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh—it makes a world of difference in taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
