Fresh Corn Carbonara

A summery twist on classic carbonara, combining crispy bacon, fresh corn, and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Fresh basil adds a bright finish to this decadent pasta dish.

4 servings
30 min

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 ears corn
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • coarsely chopped
  • divided

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, fry bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain (reserve fat). Scrape excess corn milk from cobs into a blender by firmly running the back of a chef's knife down the sides. Add cream, half of the corn kernels, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and 2 Tbsp. reserved bacon fat. Purée until a smooth sauce forms.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Toss hot pasta with corn sauce, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and half each of the remaining corn kernels, bacon, and basil in a large bowl.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    Divide pasta among bowls and top with remaining corn kernels, bacon, and basil. Season with pepper and top with Parmesan.

    2 min