Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Base
- 1 pound short-cut pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 ears corn, kernels removed from the cob
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Cheeses
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces triple crème brie, cubed (or fontina or Havarti cheese as alternatives)
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short-cut pasta and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare the Corn and Aromatics: In the same pot set over medium-high heat, add the salted butter. Once melted, add the corn kernels, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the corn turns golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Add the reserved pasta cooking water back into the pot with the corn mixture. Stir in the whole milk ricotta cheese and cubed triple crème brie until the cheeses melt completely and form a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese and corn sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and mix gently.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and top with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this flavorful, creamy one-pot meal while warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the butter and cheeses do not contain animal rennet.
- Fontina or Havarti cheese can be used as alternatives to triple crème brie for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Keep the reserved pasta water handy as it helps to loosen the sauce and enhances creaminess.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with Italian seasoning if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
