White miso is a versatile pantry staple that brings layered umami and nutty depth, perfectly balancing the natural sweetness of fresh corn. July and August are peak months for fresh corn, and this pasta sauce makes the most of its sweet, seasonal flavor.Gradually stirring in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese with splashes of reserved pasta cooking liquid helps emulsify the sauce, creating a lush, creamy texture — no heavy cream needed.
When summer corn is at its sweetest, you don’t need much to make it shine — and this creamy pasta is proof. The dish leans into the natural flavor of peak-season corn, transforming it into a silky, savory sauce that feels both luxurious and effortless. Fresh kernels are sautéed in butter with onions and garlic until meltingly tender, then blended until smooth. A food processor makes quick work of the vegetables, and from there, the sauce comes together with just a few pantry staples.
The quiet powerhouse in this recipe is white miso — the popular Japanese pantry staple made of fermented soybean paste with nutty, umami-rich depth. It balances the corn’s sweetness beautifully, adding a mellowing savory note that makes this pasta feel surprisingly complex. A sprinkle of gochugaru (Korean red chile flakes) adds gentle heat and a hint of floral spice, giving the dish even more dimension without overpowering the star ingredients.
What makes this pasta truly stand out is its simplicity. Every ingredient has a role: The corn mixture brings creaminess, the reserved pasta water helps emulsify, and a handful of Parmigiano-Reggiano adds salty richness. A final squeeze of lemon juice lifts the flavors and keeps the sauce bright and balanced.
Whether you’re pulling dinner together on a weeknight or plating up something a little more elegant for company, this dish walks the line between casual and elevated. It’s seasonal, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Garnish the pasta with your favorite green herbs, top it with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, or switch up the pasta shape. This recipe is proof that summer cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be special.
How to safely cut corn off the cob
Cutting corn off the cob can be dangerous if not done properly. To do it safely, start by standing the cob upright in a shallow bowl — the base will help stabilize the cob and catch the kernels as you slice. Use a sharp chef’s knife and cut downward with steady, even strokes, rotating the cob as needed. For added control, cut the cob in half and place it flat-side down in the bowl before slicing.
Why use white miso
White miso adds a gentle, savory backbone to dishes by enhancing their umami without overpowering them with salt. The smooth and slightly thick paste-like texture also helps it thicken a sauce.
White miso is best when whisked into a sauce to break it up and disperse it evenly as it does not dissolve quickly.
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Since the pasta cooking water is essential for the sauce, use a ladle to scoop some into a measuring cup before draining. If you can’t find campanelle, swap in another short pasta shape that has ridges or curves designed to capture the sauce like fusilli or cavatappi.Gochugaru is available as coarsely ground flakes or a fine powder. For this recipe, choose the fine powder if you want a smoother sauce or a more vibrant color boost.
Suggested pairing
2022 Hendry Estate Barrel Fermented Napa Valley Chardonnay. This richly textured, lightly oaked white mirrors the creaminess of the sauce while balancing it with freshness. Its subtle oak influence adds hints of spice and toast that complement the miso’s umami and the nuttiness of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. The wine’s bright acidity keeps each bite feeling light, while ripe stone fruit and citrus notes round out the sweetness of summer corn and bring harmony to the dish.
This recipe was developed by Renu Dhar; the text was written by Andee Gosnell.
Dining and Cooking