Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cotija and Chili Butter (Easy 40-Min Recipe)

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 pound short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
• 2 cups grilled or roasted corn kernels (from 3 to 4 fresh ears)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice