1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until they start to char slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix well.
5. Add the cooked pasta and corn mixture to the bowl, tossing everything together until well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using, to taste.
6. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly char the corn in the skillet to give it that authentic street corn flavor. It adds a depth to the dish that is simply irresistible.