Street Corn One-Pot Pasta

$- 8 oz. penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime - Lime wedges for serving Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch. Choose firm, bright red bell peppers. They should feel heavy for their size. If you can, buy fresh cilantro with vibrant green leaves. For spices, use good quality smoked paprika and chili powder. They bring out the best flavors in this dish. You can modify this dish to fit your needs. If you prefer gluten-free, swap penne pasta for gluten-free penne. For a vegan dish, leave out the Cotija cheese or use vegan cheese. You can also add other veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor. If you want extra protein, try adding black beans or shredded chicken. Start by pouring olive oil into a large pot. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. Next, add the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño if you want some heat. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Stir them often until the veggies are soft and smell great. Now, it’s time to boost the flavor. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Keep cooking for another minute. This step releases the spices' rich aromas. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Next, stir in the penne pasta. Make sure it mixes well with the veggies. Pour in the vegetable broth and crank up the heat until it boils. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After the pasta cooks, take the pot off the heat. Gently fold in crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a minute. This helps the cheese melt and flavors blend. When making Street Corn One-Pot Pasta, avoid overcooking the pasta. This can lead to mushy noodles. Always check for doneness a minute or two before the time is up. Another mistake is not stirring often enough. Stirring helps keep the pasta from sticking. Finally, remember to season well. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavor. To cook pasta perfectly, use a large pot with plenty of vegetable broth. This ensures even cooking and flavor. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. This keeps the steam in, helping the pasta cook evenly. Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking. Cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Presentation makes your dish look inviting. Serve the pasta in deep bowls for a cozy feel. Top each bowl with extra Cotija cheese for a creamy touch. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color. Add lime wedges on the side to brighten the dish. This not only enhances the look but also allows guests to add a fresh squeeze of lime. Enjoy the beauty and flavor of your dish! {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian twist, you can easily switch a few ingredients. Keep the corn, bell pepper, and spices. Use vegetable broth for depth. Add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also use a blend of different cheeses. This keeps it creamy and rich. For those who love spice, ramp it up! Start with the jalapeño. You can also add more chili powder. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. If you want it extra hot, add diced fresh chili peppers. Just remember to taste as you go! You can get creative with your pasta. Try black beans or chickpeas for protein. Adding diced tomatoes gives it a nice acidity. You can also sprinkle in some corn chips on top for crunch. Fresh avocado slices make a rich, creamy addition. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! To keep your Street Corn One-Pot Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta is cool before sealing the container. This helps stop moisture buildup, which can make the pasta soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat your pasta, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. This helps bring back moisture and flavor. Heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. You can freeze this dish if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This pasta will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne works well, but you can try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cook times may change. Thinner pasta cooks faster, while thicker shapes take longer. Always check the package for the right cooking time. To make your dish creamier, add more Cotija cheese or stir in some cream or sour cream. You can also use cream cheese for a rich taste. Mix it in just before serving for that smooth texture. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package. Cooking times may vary, so watch it closely. - How to adjust cook times for different pasta shapes: - Thin pasta: Cook for about 2-4 minutes less than the package suggests. - Thick pasta: Cook for about 2-4 minutes longer than the package suggests. - Always taste a piece to check for doneness. - Recommended toppings for added flavor: - Extra Cotija cheese for richness. - Chopped green onions for a fresh bite. - A dollop of sour cream for creaminess. - Crushed tortilla chips for a nice crunch. - Fresh lime juice for a burst of citrus. This blog post covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tasty variations for your dish. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and optimize flavor. Remember, ingredient quality counts. A few simple swaps can personalize any meal. Store leftovers smartly to maintain their taste. You can even freeze portions for later. Use this guide to create the perfect dish every time. Embrace your creativity and enjoy delicious results!$

Savor the delicious flavors of this Street Corn One-Pot Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can create a vibrant dish bursting with sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy Cotija cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into the simple steps and elevate your cooking game! Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table today!

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Ingredients

8 oz. penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Base: In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño (if you like it spicy). Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Flavor Boost: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Continue to sauté for another minute, allowing the spices and garlic to release their delicious aromas.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it's well mixed with the sautéed vegetables. Then, pour in the vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Final Touches: After the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Gently fold in the crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Rest for Flavor: Allow the pasta to sit for about a minute. This resting time helps the cheese melt and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, topped with additional Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for an eye-catching and vibrant finish. Enjoy every bite!