One-Pot Mexican Street Corn Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-29 · Updated 2026-04-29

A creamy, cheesy pasta inspired by Mexican street corn, cooked all in one pot with corn kernels, spices, and fresh lime. This Mexican-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni pasta, fresh corn kernels, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni pasta
• 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup, crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Add 12 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most broth is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese until creamy.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving warm.