Corn and Bacon Pasta

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If you can’t find fresh ears of corn at your local market, you can substitute 2¼ cups of thawed frozen corn.

4 to 6 servings

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Ingredients

  • 1 1 1 pound orecchiette
  • 1 1 1 pound orecchiette
  • 1 1 1 pound orecchiette
  • Salt and pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • 5 5 1/2-inch-wide slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 5 5 1/2-inch-wide slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 5 5 1/2-inch-wide slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 3 3 3 ears corn, kernels cut from cobs
  • 3 3 3 ears corn, kernels cut from cobs
  • 3 3 3 ears corn, kernels cut from cobs
  • 2 2 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 2 2 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 2 2 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 1 1 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 1/4 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 1/4 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 1/4 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain pasta and return it to pot.

2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy, 7 to 9 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel–lined plate. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet.

3. Heat fat left in skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add corn and 1 teaspoon salt and cook until corn is bright yellow and just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cream, ¼ cup basil, and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

4. Add sauce, Parmesan, bacon, reserved cooking water, and remaining 1/4 cup basil to pot with pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined and creamy, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, passing extra Parmesan separately.

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