LEMON-PEPPER CORN PASTA

Lemon-Pepper Corn Pasta image

Lutein is the yellow pigment found in corn and is part of the carotenoid family, which is abundantly available in yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables. Yet lutein isn't found in many places: Besides corn, egg yolks and kale are good sources (the yellowness is masked by the green chlorophyll found in kale). Remember that lutein is best absorbed with a little fat present (which the butter, milk and cheese in this healthy pasta provides). Curcumin is found primarily in turmeric, the vibrant yellow pigment found in many curry spice blends. Besides adding a distinct yellow-ish hue to cooked stews and curries, it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings (about 6 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

8 ounces pappardelle pasta
Olive oil, for coating
2 ears corn, shucked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 yellow pepper, diced
Large pinch ground turmeric
1 1/2 cups 2-percent milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon), plus lemon wedges for serving

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the pasta into the water and cook according to package directions, drain, reserving some of the pasta water. Toss the pasta with a splash of oil and set aside.
Meanwhile, remove the kernels from the corn with a sharp knife. Hold the shaved cobs over a bowl and scrape with the back of the knife to extract the milk, set aside. Discard the cobs.
Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the corn kernels, garlic, peppers and turmeric. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the corn milk, 2-percent milk, 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cook until slightly thickened (like the consistency of heavy cream), about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta, lemon zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce (thin out with reserved pasta water if desired). Divide among four bowls. Sprinkle each with the remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan and some black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calorie, Fat 12 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Cholesterol 25 milligrams, Sodium 600 milligrams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 15 grams