Butter-Braised Gemelli with Corn and Chives
Short pasta simmers in a silky pan sauce with sweet corn, scallions, and Parmesan for a bright, cozy side.
Prep: 8 · Cook: 22 · Total: 30 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (143 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
An original side inspired by skillet pasta, sweet summer corn, and the simple lift of lemon and herbs.
Story
Theo likes a side dish that refuses to be an afterthought. The gemelli grabs onto the buttery broth, the corn brings little pops of sweetness, and lemon keeps every bite moving. It is the kind of skillet that can sit beside grilled food or steal the whole plate. Finish with chives at the last second and send it out hot.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 8 oz gemelli pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat and cook the scallion whites and garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the gemelli, broth, and a pinch of salt, then bring the mixture to a lively simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is nearly tender and the broth is glossy.
- Stir in the corn and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the pasta is tender and the corn is bright.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
- Top with scallion greens and chives, taste for salt, and serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Use a wide skillet so the pasta cooks in an even layer.
- Stir often near the end because the sauce thickens quickly.
- Frozen corn can go straight into the skillet without thawing.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to loosen the sauce.
Cook's Notes
- Use a wide skillet so the broth reduces evenly.
- Stir frequently after adding the pasta because the sauce thickens fast.
- Add Parmesan off the heat for a smoother sauce.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes turns up the diner-style energy.