CREAMY PARMESAN CORN RIGATONI (ONE POT WONDER)
This creamy Parmesan corn rigatoni is a simple one-pot pasta made with sweet corn, garlic, Parmesan, and tender rigatoni. Ready in about 30 minutes, it's a comforting family dinner with minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or deep pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the Pasta and Corn
- Add the rigatoni, corn, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Make It Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Finish and Serve
- Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- One-Pot Convenience: The pasta, corn, and creamy Parmesan sauce cook together in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Sweet and Savory: Sweet corn balances the salty Parmesan and garlic for a family-friendly flavor combination.
- Quick Dinner: This comforting pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Easy Variation: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, spinach, or roasted zucchini for extra protein and vegetables.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.