Creamy Mexican Elote Pasta with Cotija and Jalapeño

Name: Creamy Mexican Elote Pasta with Cotija and Jalapeño
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups corn kernels; 1 jalapeño; 3 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Juice of 1 lime; 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; Lime wedges

A fusion of street-style corn and comfort pasta

This dish combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with creamy pasta, offering a comforting yet zesty meal.

45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta of choice

penne or fusilli recommended

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Elote Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups corn kernels

fresh or frozen

1 jalapeño

finely chopped

3 cloves garlic

minced

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Juice of 1 lime

For the Toppings

1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Lime wedges

for serving

Preparation

Preparing the Corn Base

Melt butter

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Sauté corn and jalapeño

Add the corn kernels and jalapeño, sautéing until corn is slightly charred, about 5 minutes.

Cook garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Crafting the Elote Sauce

Mix in creams

In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and mix in sour cream and mayonnaise.

Add spices and lime

Add smoked paprika and lime juice, stirring to combine.

Adding a pinch of sugar can enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.

Simmer sauce

Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you cook the pasta.

Do not overheat the mayonnaise as it can separate.

Cooking Process

Boil pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add drained pasta to the skillet with the elote sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

Finish with cheese

Sprinkle in most of the Cotija cheese, stirring until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Plating & Serving