One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta – The Best Easy Dinner Recipe

One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack. In just 30 minutes, you can have a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish on the table with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together in one skillet—yes, even the pasta—saving you time, effort, and a sink full of dishes.

If you’re juggling a busy schedule, this dish is your new best friend. I stumbled across this one pot method when I needed a quick dinner solution, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. No draining, no separate sauces, just one pan working overtime to create that silky, cheesy goodness. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds—and you’ll love the time you saved.

Why This One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta Is a Game-Changer

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet—no extra pots or pans.
• Time-saving technique: The pasta cooks right in the broth, adding rich flavor while skipping the draining step.
• Hands-off cooking: Once the pasta is simmering, you can step away to prep a side or relax.
• Versatile ingredients: Works with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, plus plenty of substitution options for a “clean-out-the-fridge” meal.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta

To whip up this easy creamy corn pasta recipe, you don’t need any fancy tools—just a large, sturdy skillet or saucepan. Here’s what works best:

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Go for one with deep sides (10-12 inches wide) to handle all the pasta and sauce without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
• Microplane or fine grater: Handy for getting that Parmesan freshly grated for extra flavor.

Pro tip: A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution, preventing hotspots that could scorch the sauce.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta

This dish is packed with pantry and fridge staples, so there’s a good chance you already have everything you need. Here’s what makes this vegetarian creamy pasta so delightful:

• Corn: Use fresh, canned, or frozen corn—whatever you have on hand works. Fresh is super sweet, but frozen saves time.
• Cream cheese: Adds that creamy texture to the sauce. Full-fat is best, but you can use reduced-fat for a lighter option.
• Penne pasta: Any short pasta will do, but penne holds the sauce beautifully. Don’t pre-cook—it goes straight into the pan!
• Fresh herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme bring all the brightness to balance the rich, cheesy sauce.

Keep some lemon juice and red pepper flakes handy—they add just the right kick of acidity and heat to elevate the dish.

One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced and divided
• 1/2 cup panko or plain breadcrumbs
• 6 green onions, white and green parts sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and the breadcrumbs, stirring to coat. Toast until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, remaining garlic, white parts of the green onions, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss in the corn and sauté until the onions soften.
3. Add the penne pasta, broth, and milk directly into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until well combined and creamy.
5. Top with toasted breadcrumbs and the green parts of the onions for a crunchy, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta

• Thaw frozen corn: If you’re using frozen corn, thaw it first so it cooks evenly.
• Fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too—just use half the amount.
• Adjust the broth: If the skillet seems dry before the pasta finishes cooking, add a splash more broth.
• Leftovers: Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
• Don’t skip the breadcrumbs: They add the perfect crunch to balance the creamy texture.

Easy One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta Variations

• Add protein: Toss in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
• Go spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Use different pasta: Try rotini, shells, or farfalle for a fun twist.
• More veggies: Throw in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.

One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free penne, but keep an eye on the cooking time since it’s often shorter than wheat pasta.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Why cook the pasta in the pan?

Cooking the pasta in the same pan absorbs all the flavor from the broth and herbs, making the dish extra tasty.

What’s the best type of corn to use?

Fresh corn is sweetest, but frozen or canned corn is just as good and saves time. Use what you’ve got!

How do I prevent the sauce from drying out?

If the sauce thickens too much, just stir in a bit of milk or broth before serving.

This One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta proves that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible. Now, what’s your favorite kitchen shortcut? Share it in the comments below, and let’s swap ideas!