Go Back
+ servings

Summer Corn and Zucchini Pappardelle

This creamy Summer Corn and Zucchini Pappardelle is everything I love about peak summer produce in one bowl. Sweet corn is blended into a silky sauce with roasted garlic, ricotta, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream, then tossed with tender zucchini and wide ribbons of pappardelle. Finished with fresh lemon, basil, and optional burrata, it's a restaurant-worthy pasta that's perfect for using up summer vegetables.
Print Pin
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: corn and zucchini pasta, corn pasta sauce from scratch, creamy corn pasta, easy homemade pasta sauce, homemade corn pasta sauce, sweet corn pasta sauce, sweet summer corn pasta
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

Pasta

  • 1 pound pappardelle or favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 ears sweet corn cooked and kernels removed from the cob
  • 7-8 cloves of garlic (about 1 head) lightly smashed
  • 1 shallot thinly sliced
  • 1 large zucchini diced
  • ¾ cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed (save 1 ½ cups total)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • Leaves from 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil plus more for serving
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon or more to taste
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional for Serving

  • Whipped ricotta, burrata, extra grated parmesan, fresh basil, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1–2 cups of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the corn kernels, garlic, and sliced shallot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn begins to caramelize and the shallots are soft and lightly golden.
  • Transfer about two-thirds of the corn mixture to a blender, leaving the remaining corn in the skillet.
  • To the blender, add the heavy cream, ricotta, ½ cup grated Parmesan, thyme leaves, parsley, basil, and lemon zest.
  • Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the diced zucchini to the skillet with the reserved corn. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
  • Pour the blended corn sauce into the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water, about 1/2 cup to start, and mix until combined well. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired conistency.
  • Then add in the remaining ½ cup Parmesan and cook over low heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. Add any additional reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency again after all the ingredients are combined.
  • Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for 1–2 minutes before serving.
  • Divide among bowls and top with torn burrata, fresh basil, extra Parmesan, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and flaky sea salt, if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Roasting the garlic ahead of time gives the sauce a deeper, sweeter flavor.
  • Grilling or broiling the corn before removing the kernels adds smoky flavor.
  • Let the corn caramelize slightly in the skillet for even more flavor.
  • Brown the zucchini rather than simply steaming it to develop caramelized edges.
  • Add lemon juice at the end to brighten the creamy sauce.
  • Burrata is optional but makes a particularly delicious finishing touch.
  • If the sauce thickens while sitting, loosen it with a splash of warm pasta water.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the salt, lemon juice, and black pepper to your preference.