Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta: Your Ultimate Easy Summer Dinner Recipe

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like a meal that effortlessly captures the true essence of summer. This creamy grilled corn pasta is precisely that – a vibrant, deeply flavorful dish that brings the very best of seasonal produce straight to your table. Imagine the sweet, succulent kernels of corn, perfectly kissed by the grill’s smoky char, mingled with fragrant fresh basil, zesty green onions, and tangy crumbled feta cheese. All these delightful components are then gently coated in a luscious, yet surprisingly light, creamy sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that defines summer dining.

For us, quick and easy pasta dishes like this summer corn pasta are an absolute staple during the warmer months. They’re incredibly fast to throw together using whatever fresh, seasonal vegetables we have on hand, they require minimal dishes for cleanup, and without fail, everyone at the table absolutely adores them! This particular creamy fresh corn pasta recipe truly shines when corn on the cob is in its peak season. At this time, the corn is overflowing with natural sweetness and boasts a satisfying crisp texture that simply hits different than corn you find the rest of the year. The addition of grilling not only tenderizes the corn but infuses it with a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish. The result is a meal that feels both satisfyingly hearty and wonderfully light and fresh, making it the perfect choice for those balmy summer evenings when you desire comfort without heaviness.

Table of Contents

• Why This Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta Recipe Stands Out
• Essential Ingredients for Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta
• Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta: Tips and FAQs
• Serving Suggestions for Your Summer Pasta
• More Delicious Corn Recipes to Try
• Get the Full Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta Recipe

Why This Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta Recipe Stands Out

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta

The secret to crafting this irresistibly delicious creamy grilled corn pasta lies in selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect harmony of sweetness, creaminess, and vibrant summer flavor.

• Fresh Corn on the Cob: This is unequivocally the star of our show! For the most exquisite flavor, aim for locally sourced, in-season corn; its unparalleled sweetness and crispness genuinely elevate the entire dish. However, a good quality corn from your supermarket can still yield fantastic results any time of year. Remember to remove the husks and silks before grilling.
• Short Pasta: Opt for short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, mini shells, rigatoni, farfalle (bow ties), or fusilli (rotini). Their unique shapes are exceptional at catching and holding onto the rich, creamy sauce and the sweet corn kernels, ensuring a burst of flavor in every forkful.
• Feta Cheese: Our secret ingredient for that essential tangy, salty punch! Crumbled feta provides a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cream. If you’re not keen on feta, consider crumbled goat cheese for a milder tang, or even some cotija cheese for a similar salty profile.
• Fresh Basil: An absolute must-have; please do not skip or substitute with dried basil! Fresh basil imparts an unmistakable summery aroma and a peppery-sweet, anise-like flavor that beautifully ties all the other ingredients together, adding brightness and depth.
• Green Onions/Scallions: These provide a milder, fresher onion flavor compared to their cooked counterparts or shallots. Green onions contribute a subtle bite and vibrant green color, perfectly suiting the light and fresh summer profile of this pasta dish.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is used both for brushing the corn before grilling and for enriching the pasta sauce, lending a smooth, slightly fruity undertone.
• Heavy Cream: Just a small amount is all that’s needed to create the luxurious body of our sauce. It delivers richness and a velvety texture without making the dish feel overly heavy or greasy, especially when balanced with the reserved pasta water.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for bringing out and enhancing the flavors of every component, from the perfectly charred corn to the pasta itself and the final creamy sauce. Always taste and adjust as you go to achieve perfect seasoning.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta

Creating this irresistible creamy grilled corn pasta is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding, especially with our efficient, streamlined method. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfect summer meal that’s bursting with flavor:

1. Prepare and Grill the Corn: Begin by preheating your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on your stove works just as wonderfully – simply ensure it’s piping hot before you start. Brush each ear of shucked corn generously with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the prepared corn directly onto the hot grill grates or grill pan, turning them every 2-3 minutes. Grill until you achieve beautiful, distinct char marks on all sides, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes in total. This charring is essential for developing that deep, smoky, and caramelized flavor that defines this dish. Once grilled, remove the corn from the heat and allow it to cool slightly so it’s easy to handle.
2. Remove the Corn Kernels: Once the grilled corn has cooled enough, carefully use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cob. To minimize mess and ensure all those sweet kernels are caught, a popular and effective method is to stand each ear up, small end down, inside a shallow, large bowl. As you slice downwards along the cob, the bowl will neatly collect all the kernels.
3. Cook the Pasta: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add your chosen short pasta. Cover the pasta with a few inches of cold water, then add a generous pinch of salt to the water – this crucial step seasons the pasta from the inside out. Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring it to a vigorous rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite. This “cold water start” method for cooking pasta often proves to be faster and uses less water than traditional boiling.
4. Gather and Prep Your Remaining Ingredients (Mise en Place): While your pasta is cooking, it’s absolutely essential to have all your remaining ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go. This French culinary term, “mise en place” (everything in its place), is key for a smooth and quick assembly once the pasta is done. This prevents anything from overcooking and allows you to create the perfect creamy sauce without any delays.
5. Assemble the Creamy Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, carefully drain it. However, do not discard all the cooking water – be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Immediately return the drained pasta to the hot pot. Stir in the remaining olive oil and the heavy cream. Begin adding the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly. Continue this process until you achieve a beautifully creamy, emulsified sauce that generously coats every piece of pasta. Keep in mind that the sauce will naturally thicken slightly as it cools, so it’s often a good idea to make it a little looser than you think you need for that perfectly luscious consistency.
6. Combine and Season: At this stage, gently fold in the grilled corn kernels, the vibrant chopped green onions, the fragrant fresh basil, and the tangy crumbled feta cheese into the pot with the pasta. Stir everything together thoroughly until all components are well combined and evenly distributed. Taste the pasta for seasoning and adjust with more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed to suit your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy!: Your magnificent creamy grilled corn pasta is now ready! For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh basil leaves or a few more crumbles of feta, if desired. Serve immediately while warm to fully savor its fresh, vibrant flavors and incredibly creamy texture.

Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta: Tips and FAQs

To help you master this delicious creamy grilled corn pasta and answer any potential questions you might have, here are some helpful tips and frequently asked questions:

• How to Store and Reheat Leftovers: Leftover creamy grilled corn pasta should always be stored promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When it’s time to enjoy it again, the sauce may have naturally thickened. To revive its creamy texture, gently reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of water, milk, or extra heavy cream to loosen the sauce back to its original luscious consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
• Substitutions and Creative Variations: This summer corn pasta recipe is wonderfully adaptable and encourages creativity! Feel free to experiment with other fresh, seasonal vegetables. Consider adding halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of acidity, thinly sliced zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, or even other grilled vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus. For those who enjoy a little warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a delightful touch of heat. If feta isn’t your preferred cheese, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), crumbled goat cheese, or a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano can work as intriguing substitutes.
• Adding Protein for a Heartier Meal: To transform this into an even more substantial and satisfying main course, incorporating a protein is an excellent idea. Delicious options include grilled chicken breast or thighs, succulent grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops, crispy bacon, or thinly sliced pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian protein boost, consider stirring in some white beans or chickpeas for added fiber and substance.
• No Grill? No Problem! Achieving Charred Corn Indoors: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or a dedicated grill pan, you can still achieve that delicious charred corn flavor. You can roast the corn kernels (after cutting them off the cob) in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly browned and caramelized. Alternatively, for a quick char, carefully use tongs to char the whole cobs directly over a gas burner on your stove until lightly blackened, then remove the kernels.
• Can I Use Frozen Corn?: Absolutely, frozen corn can be used if fresh corn is out of season or unavailable. Ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before use. For the best flavor, toss the thawed corn with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then either grill it (if using a grill pan or oven method as described above) or simply sauté it in a skillet until lightly caramelized to enhance its sweetness before adding it to the pasta.
• Making it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version of this pasta, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream (ensure it’s not the beverage kind). You can also find excellent plant-based feta alternatives in most health food stores. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also add a subtle cheesy, umami flavor to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Your Summer Pasta

While this creamy grilled corn pasta is a deliciously complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments to create a truly delightful and well-rounded summer spread. Consider serving it alongside:

• A Light Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp and acidic counterpoint to the creamy richness of the pasta.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: A warm, crusty baguette, ciabatta, or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delectable creamy sauce.
• Additional Grilled Vegetables: If you’re already firing up the grill for the corn, consider throwing on some extra zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus spears. Season them simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for an easy, complementary side.
• Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light and fruity Rosé, or a dry Pinot Grigio would wonderfully complement the fresh, vibrant flavors of this dish.

Get the Full Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta Recipe

Ready to bring the vibrant taste of summer into your kitchen with minimal fuss? Here’s the complete, detailed recipe for our delectable creamy grilled corn pasta. It’s designed to be straightforward and immensely rewarding, ensuring you get a fantastic meal every time you prepare it.

This delightful recipe was originally published in July 2015. It has since undergone meticulous updates and improvements, featuring enhanced instructions and additional helpful tips, making it even better than ever! It proudly remains one of our absolute favorite and most requested staple summertime dinners. We hope you enjoy this refreshed classic!