Sophia Langley
If you’ve ever fallen in love with the irresistible flavor of Mexican street corn, then imagine that magic swirled into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. This Mexican Street Corn Pasta combines tender rotini with smoky chili powder, sweet corn kernels, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to create a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.
Whether you’re serving it as a crowd-pleasing side or making it the star of your weeknight dinner, this pasta is packed with bold, zesty flavors. The creaminess from cotija cheese and mayo balances perfectly with the brightness of fresh lime juice, giving every bite that signature street corn taste – only in pasta form!
What Makes Mexican Street Corn Pasta So Good?
It’s the irresistible balance of textures and flavors. The tender pasta clings to the creamy sauce, while roasted corn adds a slight charred sweetness. Cotija cheese gives it a salty, crumbly bite, and a squeeze of lime ties everything together with refreshing acidity. Plus, black beans add a hearty touch, making it satisfying enough for a main dish.
Ingredients for the Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Rotini Pasta – Perfect for holding onto the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Corn (preferably roasted or grilled) – Adds that sweet, smoky street corn flavor.
Black Beans – Gives a hearty, protein-packed addition and extra texture.
Cotija Cheese – Crumbly and salty, this cheese is a street corn classic.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream – The base for that creamy, tangy sauce.
Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika – Brings warmth and that signature street corn kick.
Fresh Cilantro – Adds color and freshness to every bite.
Garlic & Green Onions – For extra layers of flavor.
How To Make the Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Roast the Corn for That Street Corn Flavor
If using fresh corn, grill or roast it until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, sauté it in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until it gets a golden, caramelized color.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta, roasted corn, and black beans into the creamy sauce. Mix well to coat every spiral with that luscious street corn goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Finish with Garnishes
Top with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Sprinkle with extra chili powder or smoked paprika for a bold finish.
Step 6: Serve Warm or Chilled
This pasta tastes amazing warm, but it’s equally delicious served cold as a summer side dish.
Serving and Storing Mexican Street Corn Pasta
This pasta is versatile enough to shine as both a side dish and a main course. Serve it warm at family dinners, potlucks, or summer cookouts, or chill it for a refreshing pasta salad twist. The flavors only deepen after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a splash of lime juice or a bit of sour cream before serving to revive its creamy texture.
What to Serve With Mexican Street Corn Pasta?
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Smoky grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy, zesty pasta.
Steak Fajitas
The bold spices of steak fajitas complement the tangy street corn flavors.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Buttery shrimp add a rich, savory contrast to the freshness of the pasta.
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
The gooey cheese sticks make a fun appetizer or side option.
Southern-Style Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs add a creamy, bite-sized addition to your table.
Fresh Avocado Salad
A light and creamy avocado salad balances out the pasta’s richness.
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy, cheesy potatoes add a hearty and satisfying side.
Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs
Spicy, creamy eggs for an extra kick alongside the pasta.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this Mexican Street Corn Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these flavorful creations:
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta for a creamy, cheesy indulgence.
• One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta if you crave smoky heat.
• Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for a rich, veggie-packed twist.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta for ultimate comfort food vibes.
Save This Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Planning your next cookout or weeknight dinner? Save this recipe so you can whip it up anytime – trust me, it’s going to be a favorite!
Tried this Mexican Street Corn Pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you keep it classic or add your own twist, like jalapeños or extra cheese? Share your version in the comments.
📌 Pin this recipe to your “Pasta & Sides” board on Pinterest – because when that craving hits, you’ll want it handy!
Want more bold and crowd-pleasing recipes? Follow TasteBursts Recipes on Pinterest for endless inspiration and your next must-try dish.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 454 g rotini pasta
- 2 cups roasted or grilled corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Grill or roast fresh corn until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, sauté until golden.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Toss pasta, roasted corn, and black beans in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Top with cotija cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Serve warm or chilled.