Tomato Corn Pasta with Basil Ricotta & Balsamic Dressing!

Tomato Corn Pasta with Basil Ricotta and Balsamic Dressing — fresh, summery, and full of flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a make-ahead picnic dish!

🍅 Tomato Corn Pasta with Basil Ricotta & Balsamic Dressing 🌽🍝

Fresh • Flavorful • Summer-Inspired | Ready in 30 Minutes | Serves 4

This vibrant pasta dish features sweet cherry tomatoes and juicy corn, all tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with creamy basil ricotta and a tangy-sweet balsamic drizzle. It’s sunshine in a bowl!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled corn off the cob)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Basil Ricotta:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt & pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

✅ STEP 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Drain and set aside. Toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.

✅ STEP 2: Prepare the Basil Ricotta

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • Ricotta cheese

   • Chopped basil

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil

   • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

✅ STEP 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and corn.

4. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until tomatoes are soft and corn is tender.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

✅ STEP 4: Combine Pasta and Veggies

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the veggies.

2. Toss everything together to combine and warm through, about 2 minutes.

✅ STEP 5: Make the Balsamic Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil

   • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

   • Salt and pepper to taste

✅ STEP 6: Serve

1. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls or plates.

2. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of basil ricotta.

3. Drizzle with the balsamic dressing just before serving.

4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

⏱️ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Serves: 4

💡 Optional Add-Ins:

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.

• Use arugula or spinach for extra greens.

• Top with toasted pine nuts or parmesan for added texture.

This dish is a celebration of summer produce — light, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. 🌞