🌽 Charred Corn & Chorizo Pasta with Smoky Paprika Cream

/ Meat / By

A bold and creamy pasta dish starring sweet charred corn, spicy chorizo, and a smoky paprika cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comforting, fiery, and totally unforgettable.

🧑‍🍳 Overview

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~40 minutes
  • Servings: 2
  • Cuisine: Modern Comfort / Fusion

📝 Ingredients

  • 160g (5.5 oz) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or orecchiette work great)
  • 1/2 cup chorizo (Spanish or Mexican, chopped or crumbled)
  • 1 ear fresh corn (or 1/2 cup frozen)
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley to finish

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

2. Char the Corn

  • Heat a dry skillet or grill pan. Add corn kernels and sear until slightly blackened. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chorizo

  • In a pan, cook chorizo over medium heat until crispy and fat has rendered (no oil needed). Remove and set aside.

4. Build the Sauce

  • In the same pan, add a splash of olive oil if needed.
  • Sauté shallot and garlic until soft, then stir in smoked paprika and chili flakes.
  • Add cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in cheese if using.
  • Fold in corn, chorizo, and cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

5. Serve

  • Plate hot and finish with fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and extra cheese if desired.

🍽️ Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: ~620
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbs: 55g
  • Fat: 32g

🛠️ Featured Tool

🍝 Nonstick Skillet for Creamy Pasta Sauces

👉 Check it out on Amazon

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omele...

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omele…

  • SWISS NON-STICK COATING – Switzerland ILAG nonstick coating, PFOA free, safe and healthy.
  • WOODGRAIN BAKELITE HANDLE – The bakelite handle features woodgrain design, it is comfortable to grip and stays cool whil…
  • HIGH MAGNETIC CONDUCTIVE BASE – High magnetic conductive stainless steel base. The nonstick skillet bottom is flat and t…
$17.09
Buy on Amazon

⚠️ Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

AI Culinary Arts is reader-supported. Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

📂 Categories

  • Main Categories: Pasta, Meat
  • Additional Tags:
    • Chorizo Recipes
    • Corn Dishes
    • Creamy Pasta
    • Comfort Food
    • Summer Pasta
    • Smoky Flavors