Taco Pasta Twist with Hidden Corn
A fusion of taco flavors and pasta with corn blended into a zesty sauce that makes picky eaters ask for more. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, frozen corn kernels, (14 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 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 penne pasta
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a blender, combine 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin. Blend until completely smooth, adding 1/2 cup chicken broth to reach a pourable consistency.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in blended sauce and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in sauce. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a fresh aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco Pasta Twist with Hidden Corn take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Taco Pasta Twist with Hidden Corn?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Taco Pasta Twist with Hidden Corn?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Taco Pasta Twist with Hidden Corn for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Taco Pasta Twist with Hidden Corn?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
