This pasta with corn and bacon is currently Ella’s favorite meal. Spaghetti gets twirled around a dead-simple sauce of bacon, sweet corn, garlic and shallots, and is then sprinkled with a healthy dose of Parmesan cheese, chives and a drizzle of lime juice (which might sound surprising, but it acts like an Instagram filter, brightening everything up). Ella has asked me to make it almost every week since corn came in season, and since I’m an awesome mom, I’ve almost always obliged.

Pasta + corn + bacon = xoxo

Ok; it actually has nothing to do with being a good mom—I just happen to like it as much as she does. This pasta is straightforward and easy to make, but it hits all the right notes, with saltiness from the bacon, sweetness from the corn and an umami kick from the Parmesan. Pair it with a plate of sliced tomatoes, and oh baby, life just got really, really good.

Ella starts first grade next week, which means summer is rapidly coming to an end (nooo!!!!). With our busy back-to-school schedules kicking in, I’ve no doubt this pasta with corn and bacon will remain in high rotation until corn season ends. You know, since I’m such a kick-ass mom and all that.

Check out some of my other favorite corn recipes here and here!

Pasta with Corn & Bacon

This straightforward pasta is simple but utterly satisfying. Spaghetti gets twirled around a dead-simple sauce of bacon, sweet corn, garlic and shallots, and is then sprinkled with a healthy dose of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of lime juice (which brightens everything up). The sweetness from the corn is the perfect counterpoint to the salty bacon and cheese. If your bacon is really fatty, feel free to drain off some fat before adding the shallots and garlic—you’re aiming for about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Servings 4

Author Nicki Sizemore

Ingredients

4 ounces meaty bacon , finely chopped
1 medium shallot , finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves , finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces spaghetti (regular or gluten-free)
Kernels from 3 ears of corn
Juice of ½ lime
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese , plus more for serving
2 tablespoons minced chives , plus more for serving
Extra virgin olive oil , for drizzling

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Put the bacon in a large skillet (the largest you’ve got!) and place it over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp.
Add the shallot and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about 2 minutes. Set the skillet aside.
Season the boiling water with salt, and add the spaghetti. Set a timer for 1 minute before the package directions for al dente. When the timer goes off, add the corn kernels. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.
Slide the drained pasta and corn into the skillet with the bacon and turn the heat to medium. Add about half of the reserved cooking water (or more as needed), stirring, until the pasta is coated and looks glossy. Season generously with salt and pepper (this is key—you will need more than you think). Remove the pan from the heat and add the lime juice, Parmesan and chives. Drizzle in a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or lime juice, as needed.
Twirl the spaghetti into bowls and garnish with more Parmesan and chives.