One Pot Creamy Corn has become my absolute go-to for busy weeknights, and I know you’ll love it too! This recipe, the One Pot Creamy Corn Recipe, is a lifesaver when I need a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table fast, with hardly any dishes to wash. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and spices filled my kitchen, and my kids came running from their rooms, already asking for seconds before it was even ready. It’s just that good! This hearty, comforting dish, featuring tender turkey and sweet corn in a velvety sauce, is pure comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Corn
- Incredible flavor: It’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness.
- Super fast prep: You can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash!
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters devour this comforting meal.
- Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Versatile: This Creamy Corn Skillet One Pot works as a main or a side.
- Healthy-ish: Loaded with veggies like corn, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Hearty and filling: Satisfies everyone with a good balance of protein and carbs.
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Corn
Gathering your ingredients for this Easy One Pot Creamy Corn is a breeze! You’ll need:
- 12 oz pasta – I like using penne or rotini, but any shape works!
- 1 lb lean ground turkey – for a hearty protein boost.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – to get things started.
- 3½ cups chicken broth – the base for our creamy sauce.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – any color you like adds a nice sweetness and crunch.
- 1½ cups corn, fresh, canned or frozen – I usually use frozen for convenience.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped – it wilts down beautifully and adds nutrients.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves) – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – for that classic herb flavor.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – adds a lovely smoky depth.
- ½ tsp onion powder – for extra savory notes.
- 1 tsp salt – adjust to your taste.
- ½ tsp pepper – fresh cracked is always best.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – this is key for that luscious, creamy texture.
- 3 tbsp butter – for richness and flavor.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Optional: fresh basil, squeeze of fresh lemon juice – for a pop of freshness at the end.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Corn
Making this Simple One Pot Creamy Corn is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with multiple pans. It’s truly a lifesaver on busy nights!
- Step 1: Get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab a large, deep skillet. Drizzle in the 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and set it over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the 1 lb lean ground turkey to the hot skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 3: Toss in the 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the 3½ cups chicken broth. Then, stir in the 12 oz pasta and 1½ cups corn. Give it a good mix to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
- Step 5: Crank the heat up to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You’ll see the liquid starting to bubble.
- Step 6: Once it’s boiling, give it one last stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet tightly and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Carefully remove the lid. Stir the pasta and corn mixture again, making sure the pasta is submerged. Cover it back up and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Check the pasta for doneness. If it’s still a bit too firm, uncover it and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is a key step for achieving that perfect texture in your Simple One Pot Creamy Corn.
- Step 9: Turn the heat down to low. Now for the creamy magic! Stir in the 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 3 tbsp butter, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the 1 cup fresh spinach.
- Step 10: Stir gently for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and the sauce is beautifully warm and creamy. The aroma at this stage is incredible!
- Step 11: Taste your masterpiece! Adjust seasonings if needed. If you’re using them, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some fresh basil for a burst of brightness.
- Step 12: Serve your amazing One Pot Creamy Corn immediately and enjoy the minimal cleanup!
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Creamy Corn
I’ve made this dish so many times, and these little tricks really elevate it. Follow these, and you’ll have the best One Pot Creamy Corn every time!
- Don’t be afraid to stir! Giving the pasta a good stir halfway through cooking, especially in step 7, is crucial to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Add liquid gradually if needed. If your pasta isn’t quite tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated, just add another splash of chicken broth or even water to finish cooking.
- Taste and adjust. Seasoning is key! Always taste your food before serving and add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Creamy Corn?
The secret to that perfect, creamy texture in this One Pot Creamy Corn is the combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese added at the end. It creates a rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta and corn beautifully. For more tips on achieving creamy sauces, check out this guide on creamy polenta.
Can I make One Pot Creamy Corn ahead of time?
You can definitely prep most of the ingredients ahead! Chop your veggies, measure out your seasonings, and even cook the turkey. However, I don’t recommend cooking the pasta and sauce completely ahead, as it can become mushy. It’s best assembled and cooked closer to serving time for optimal texture. If you’re looking for other make-ahead meals, consider these dinner recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Creamy Corn?
The biggest pitfall is overcooking the pasta, which can turn it gummy. Make sure to check it for doneness in step 8 and don’t let it sit covered for too long after adding the cream. Also, ensure you use enough liquid; if it looks dry, add more broth! For more cooking tips, you might find this information on cooking techniques helpful.
Best Ways to Serve One Pot Creamy Corn
This dish is so versatile, it works perfectly as a standalone meal or as a delightful side. For a complete family dinner, I love pairing this One Pot Creamy Corn with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. If you’re looking for even more minimal dishes, consider serving it alongside some simple roasted chicken or grilled fish. It’s a fantastic way to get a hearty meal on the table with very little fuss, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something satisfying without the cleanup. For other one-pan wonders, try this one-pan sausage and rice.
Nutrition Facts for One Pot Creamy Corn
This One Pot Creamy Corn is a satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 623 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1267mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Creamy Corn
Leftovers of this delicious One Pot Creamy Corn are fantastic, and storing them properly ensures they taste just as good the next day! Once your Skillet Creamy Corn Recipe has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to make a larger batch to enjoy later, it also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a quick reheat directly from the fridge, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and restore that creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway for even warming. It’s a wonderfully forgiving dish, making it perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Creamy Corn
What makes this One Pot Creamy Corn so quick?
The magic of this Quick One Pot Creamy Corn lies in its streamlined cooking process. By simmering everything together in a single skillet, from the pasta to the sauce, we eliminate the need for boiling pasta separately, draining, and then making a sauce in another pot. This one-pan method drastically cuts down on prep and cook time, plus the cleanup is a breeze!
Can I use different proteins in this One Pot Creamy Corn?
Absolutely! While I love it with ground turkey, feel free to swap it out. Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground alternative work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook your protein thoroughly before adding the other ingredients to ensure it’s safe to eat. For a different chicken dish, try this Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken.
Is this One Pot Creamy Corn recipe spicy?
This particular recipe isn’t inherently spicy. The smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth, but it’s not a heat-inducing spice. If you prefer a bit of kick, I highly recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings in Step 3. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra layer of heat.
How can I make this One Pot Creamy Corn recipe creamier?
For an extra-creamy texture, you can stir in a little extra heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese along with the Parmesan and spinach in Step 9. Just make sure to keep the heat low when adding these dairy products to prevent them from curdling. This will make your One Pot Creamy Corn even more decadent!
Variations of One Pot Creamy Corn You Can Try
This versatile One Pot Creamy Corn is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for all sorts of delicious twists! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a truly customizable meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the turkey and sauté some mushrooms and extra veggies like zucchini or broccoli florets instead. This transforms it into a hearty vegetarian Corn and Cream One Pot Meal. For another veggie option, try these vegetable zucchini fritters.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other seasonings in Step 3. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños for an extra layer of spice.
- Cheesy Goodness: Want even more cheese? Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack along with the Parmesan in Step 9 for an extra gooey finish.
- Make it a Casserole: While this is a skillet dish, you can easily turn it into a One Pot Creamy Corn Casserole. After Step 10, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
One Pot Creamy Corn: Speedy 30 min Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Creamy Corn and Turkey Pasta Skillet is an easy, family-friendly dinner. It features ground turkey, sweet corn, and spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. Everything cooks in one pan for quick meals and less cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1½ cups corn, fresh, canned or frozen
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh basil, squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in broth, then stir in dry pasta and corn. Mix gently.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a light boil.
- Once boiling, stir, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid, stir well, then cover again and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Check pasta for doneness. If needed, cook for 2-3 more minutes uncovered until tender and most broth is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce is warm and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Add lemon juice and basil if using.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip stirring the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
- Add more broth if the pasta looks dry before it’s fully cooked.
- Frozen corn can be used without thawing.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or frozen peas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 623 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1267 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 116 mg