Quick Overview
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, you have to try this Mexican Street Corn Pasta. Combining the vibrant flavors of street corn with tender pasta creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe is ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Let’s get started on your journey to creating this delicious dish that brings the taste of Mexico right to your kitchen.
Ingredient Breakdown
Corn
Fresh or frozen corn kernels are essential for this dish. They provide sweetness and texture, mimicking the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn. Use about 2 cups for a generous helping.
Pasta
Choose your favorite type of pasta; short shapes like penne or fusilli work best. You will need about 12 ounces. Cook it al dente to ensure it holds up well with the other ingredients.
Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese adds a salty and creamy element that enhances the overall flavor. Crumbled Cotija gives the dish its signature taste; use around 1 cup.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise contributes creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together. You will need about 1/2 cup for optimal consistency and flavor.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and balances its richness. Squeeze in juice from 2 limes to elevate all the flavors.
Chili Powder
Chili powder adds warmth and depth to the dish. Use approximately 1 teaspoon to give it an authentic Mexican flair without overwhelming heat.
Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro offers freshness and an herby note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Chop roughly 1/4 cup before adding it in.
Step By Step Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once it’s bubbling, add your chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander but reserve about one cup of cooking water for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add fresh or frozen corn kernels. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy; this mixture will coat your pasta evenly with incredible flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed corn into the mixing bowl with sauce. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated evenly. If necessary, add reserved cooking water gradually to loosen up the mixture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cilantro
Fold in crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro gently into your pasta mix. These ingredients should be evenly distributed throughout so every bite contains those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once everything is mixed well, serve your delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro leaves if desired.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Tip
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a standalone meal. Consider serving it alongside additional lime wedges for guests who enjoy an extra zesty kick!
Storage Tip
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat again, simply reheat gently on low heat while adding small amounts of water if needed to avoid drying out.
With these detailed steps and tips, you’ll create a flavorful plate of Mexican Street Corn Pasta that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Mexican Street Corn Pasta is not cooking the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its texture, which can ruin the dish. Always refer to the package instructions and taste the pasta a minute before it’s done. This ensures it retains a firm bite, complementing the creamy sauce and fresh vegetables.
Another mistake is skimping on seasonings. The flavors of Mexican Street Corn Pasta come from spices like chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. If you don’t season adequately, the dish may taste bland. Season incrementally, tasting as you go. This way, you can adjust flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Lastly, using frozen corn instead of fresh can diminish the taste. Fresh corn has a sweet crunch that elevates this recipe. If fresh corn isn’t available, try grilling canned corn for added flavor. The goal is to bring out those vibrant tastes that make Mexican Street Corn Pasta so delightful.
Tips and tricks
To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta truly shine, consider grilling or charring your corn before adding it to the pasta. This step brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the overall flavor profile of your dish. Simply cut kernels off the cob and grill them for a few minutes until they start to caramelize slightly. This will enhance both the taste and appearance of your meal.
Another tip is to use a combination of cheeses for that authentic street corn flavor. While cotija cheese is traditional, combining it with crumbled feta or even Monterey Jack can create a creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully. This mixture will add layers of flavor that stand out in every bite.
Don’t forget about garnishing your dish! Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate your presentation while adding freshness to each serving. A squeeze of lime just before serving brightens up all flavors in your Mexican Street Corn Pasta, making each mouthful refreshing and zesty.
Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Consider adding protein to your Mexican Street Corn Pasta for a more filling meal. Grilled shrimp or shredded chicken work well with this dish’s flavors and provide an excellent source of protein without overshadowing other ingredients. Just toss them in during the final mix for seamless integration.
You might also experiment with different types of pasta beyond traditional varieties. For example, using whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds nutritional value while maintaining great taste and texture in your dish. These alternatives can enhance both flavor complexity and health benefits.
Finally, think about incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into your recipe. They not only add color but also boost nutrition without overpowering other elements in Mexican Street Corn Pasta.
FAQs
What is the best type of corn to use for Mexican Street Corn Pasta?
Fresh sweet corn offers the best flavor in Mexican Street Corn Pasta due to its natural sweetness and crunchy texture. If fresh corn isn’t available, use frozen sweet corn but consider grilling it briefly for added flavor. Canned corn can be used too; just ensure you drain it well before adding it to maintain proper moisture levels in your meal.
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components individually—cook pasta al dente, grill corn, and mix dressings—then combine them just before serving for optimal freshness. Store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days prior to serving.
How do I store leftover Mexican Street Corn Pasta?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out during heating while keeping that creamy texture intact.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit any meat additions and focus on plant-based ingredients such as grilled vegetables or beans for protein enhancement while maintaining all other original flavors intact. The recipe remains deliciously satisfying without meat.
Can I customize spice levels in my Mexican Street Corn Pasta?
Definitely! Adjust spices such as chili powder or cayenne pepper according to your heat preference by starting with less than suggested if you’re sensitive to spice intensity; gradually add more until you reach desired heat level without compromising overall flavor balance.
What should I serve with Mexican Street Corn Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, but also shines alongside lighter fare such as salads or roasted vegetables if you’re looking for something healthier yet flavorful alongside your meal choice!
Summary
In conclusion, crafting perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta involves avoiding common mistakes like overcooking pasta or under-seasoning dishes. Incorporating tips such as grilling corn enhances flavors while diverse ingredients elevate textures significantly! Feel free to personalize this dish with proteins or extra veggies based on preferences! With these insights at hand, enjoy creating this vibrant culinary delight!
Print
Mexican Street Corn Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta combines the flavors of traditional elote with pasta for a delicious twist. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) of pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, etc.)
2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add corn and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until slightly charred.
3. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, charred corn mixture, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra cotija cheese and cilantro if desired.
Notes
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 9g
Keywords: Mexican, street corn, pasta, elote