CREAMY CORN PASTA WITH BACON

Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon image

Provided by Elena Besser

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
5 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 large shallots, grated (about 1 cup)
Kernels from 3 large ears sweet corn (about 3 cups)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup grated pecorino, plus more for garnish
1 bunch chives, thinly sliced

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Heavily salt the water and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and reserve 2 to 3 cups of the pasta cooking water for later.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisped, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate.
Add the shallots to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until they have softened and start to turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes Add the corn and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes more.
Transfer the corn mixture to a blender along with 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and blend until smooth and the consistency of pasta sauce. Add the sauce back to the skillet along with 1/2 cup pecorino. Stir to combine and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Add the pasta to the sauce and mix to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water at a time, stirring in between, until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup for pecorino and reserved bacon. Divide among bowls, top with chives and more pecorino and enjoy!