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Mexican Street Corn Pasta

Mexican Street Corn Pasta
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining creamy, spicy Mexican street corn elements with tender pasta. Featuring roasted corn, tangy cotija cheese, smoky spices, and a luscious creamy sauce, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic pasta that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for sharing at family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or penne pasta

Corn

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

Creamy Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste

Cheese and Herbs

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

Instructions

  1. Roast the Corn: Start by roasting your fresh or frozen corn on a hot skillet or grill until the kernels develop a nice char. This roasting brings out the natural sweetness and adds that irresistible smoky flavor crucial to the dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the corn roasts, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed later.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy, creating that signature sauce base for the pasta.
  4. Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta and roasted corn with the sauce. Add crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, folding gently to maintain the textures and blend the flavors.
  5. Adjust and Serve: If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lime juice or chili powder if desired, then serve immediately for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Roast the corn well: Don’t rush the roasting; a good char is key for authentic flavor.
  • Use high-quality cheese: Cotija cheese quality impacts the tanginess and texture significantly.
  • Lime juice enhances everything: Add fresh lime juice last to keep its brightness intact.
  • Reserve pasta water: It’s perfect for adjusting sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
  • Customize spice levels: Taste as you add chili powder and smoked paprika to find your perfect heat balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican Street Corn Pasta, Elote Pasta, Creamy Mexican Pasta, Roasted Corn Pasta, Cotija Cheese Pasta, Spicy Pasta Dish

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