Sweetcorn Pasta with Paprika Pork

Spring veggies, smoky paprika pork, and creamy sweet corn sauce, this budget-friendly pasta is an easy, comforting Monday night dinner that still feels fresh and light. Perfect for two or three people, with a little extra left over for lunch the next day.

Serves: 2–3
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Special Equipment: Blender or food processor

Let’s learn how to make it.

This dish stretches a small amount of pork mince into a hearty, flavourful meal by pairing it with sweetcorn and seasonal veggies. The sauce is made by blending sweet corn and onions into a light, golden base that’s both creamy and naturally sweet, no cream needed! It’s balanced with smoky paprika and a touch of feta for a salty finish.

Ingredients

• 100g pork mince

• 1 red pepper

• 2 cans of sweetcorn (drained)

• 1 onion (finely diced)

• A few florets of broccoli (cut small)

• 100g feta (for crumbling on top)

• 1 packet of spaghetti

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Boil the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.

2. Char the red pepper:
   Place the red pepper directly over a gas flame, under a hot grill, or on the BBQ until the skin is blackened all over. Transfer to a bowl and cover to steam for 10 minutes. Peel, remove the core, slice thinly, and season with olive oil and salt.

3. Prep the vegetables:
   Cut the broccoli into small florets. Finely dice the onion.

4. Sauté the onion:
   In a pan over low heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until soft, sweet, and lightly caramelised.

5. Make the sweet corn sauce:
   Blend the drained sweetcorn, you want a coarse ish texture, not completely smooth. Add it to the onions and cook for a few minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Cook the pork:
   In a separate pan, fry the pork mince until browned and crispy. Add the smoked paprika and stir well to coat.

7. Combine everything:
   Add the broccoli to the pasta water for the final 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain, then toss the pasta and broccoli through the sweetcorn sauce. Season again to taste.

8. Serve:
   Top with the charred red pepper strips, crispy pork, and a crumble of feta.

Chef’s Tip

This is a great way to stretch a small amount of meat, the sweetcorn sauce adds volume and creaminess without needing dairy. Try swapping the pork for leftover roast chicken or keep it vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely.

Enjoy

Del x

If you loved this, try my Greek Style Friday Feast and Asian Pork Dumplings. These three dinners cost me lest the $50 to make. To feed 2-3 people, 3 dinners and leftovers!