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bacon and sweet corn pasta in a white pasta bowl with a basil leaf on top. Half peeled corn on the cob sitting on the table.

Quick & Easy One-Pot Bacon and Sweet Corn Pasta

Bacon and sweet corn pasta made with smokey bacon, fresh off the cob corn, scallions & basil, tons of parmesan, and a simple glossy sauce made with reserved pasta water and butter. This one pot recipe is crazy simple to make and packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dry spaghetti
  • 3 ears corn on the cob shucked
  • 4-5 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 3 tbsp butter salted
  • 4 scallions diced
  • ⅓ cup fresh basil chopped
  • ½-1 cup reserved pasta water
  • ⅔ cup fresh parmesan cheese finely grated

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the corn and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the corn from the boiling water using tongs, and place on a cutting board to cool. While the pasta is cooking in the next step, cut the kernels of corn off of the cob.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water, and return to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, but just before draining, collect ½-1 cup of the boiling pasta water and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, over medium high heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside. Discard of the bacon fat.
  4. Add the olive oil to the pot over medium high heat. Add the scallions and sauté for 1 minute. Add the corn and sauté 1 more minute.
  5. Return the pasta to the pot, add the butter and stir until incorporated. Add ½ cup of the pasta water and mix it into the pasta. Add the bacon and basil, stir until incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add more pasta water if it seems too dry.
  6. Serve in pasta bowls and top with a healthy dose of finely grated parmesan.

Notes

*Bacon tip! It's much easier to cut the bacon up if it's frozen. If your bacon isn't frozen, pop the package in the freezer while the pasta boils. 
*Use pancetta in place of bacon for a milder flavor that is less smokey. Bacon can be overpowering for some.
*Chicken would be a great addition to this bacon and sweet corn pasta! Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
*You can use any pasta for this recipe! I recommend substituting with a rotini or fusilli, as these noodles can hold onto the corn and bacon.
*You can reheat it in the microwave and then add a little olive oil to combat any dryness.
*If you don't have access to fresh corn, I recommend frozen corn as a substitute. You won't get the sweet corn milk that comes from fresh corn, so I recommend adding a teaspoon of honey when you add the corn.