Description
This vibrant and flavorful Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Red Peppers, and Corn is a quick and easy Italian-inspired vegetarian main course perfect for warm weather. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, smoky roasted red peppers, and sweet corn mingles beautifully with al dente pasta, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic. It’s a refreshing dish that can be served warm and topped with Parmesan cheese for added richness, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to burst.
- Add corn and roasted red peppers: Stir in the corn kernels, sliced roasted red peppers, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Toss pasta with vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish with basil and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- You can add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Use frozen or canned corn if fresh corn is not available; just thaw or drain before adding.
- Roasted red peppers from a jar add a smoky sweetness but can be substituted with fresh roasted peppers if preferred.
