Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s as creamy as it is zesty? Introducing the Creamy Jalapeno and Corn Pasta—a delightful fusion of Mexican flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! This quick and easy recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive meal for guests. With the perfect balance of heat from jalapenos and the sweetness of corn enveloped in a rich cream sauce, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to elevate your pasta game!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the jalapenos by removing seeds and finely dicing them. For less heat, remove all seeds; for more spice, keep some seeds intact.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add corn kernels and diced jalapenos. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until corn is lightly golden and jalapenos are fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until cream cheese is completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta directly to the skillet with the cream sauce.
- Gently toss pasta in the sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips
- Choose Your Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, be sure to remove all the seeds from the jalapenos. For those who love a kick, leave some seeds intact to amp up the spice!
- Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures it maintains a nice bite and holds up well in the creamy sauce.
- Sauté to Perfection: When sautéing the corn and jalapenos, allow them to get a bit of color for enhanced flavor. The slight caramelization will add depth to your sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This starchy water will help achieve the desired creamy texture without watering down the flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro! It adds a burst of color and a refreshing taste that perfectly complements the richness of the dish.
- Make It a Meal: For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or shrimp. This will make your pasta dish even more satisfying and hearty.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 546kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
