Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food that absolutely bursts with flavor, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is about to become your next dinner obsession. This dish marries tender strips of seasoned chicken, sweet golden corn, and salty, crisp bacon in a velvety Parmesan-infused sauce that clings perfectly to bow-tie pasta. Every forkful delivers an irresistible balance of smoky, savory, creamy, and sweet—making it a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends. There’s a good reason why Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon deserves to be at the center of your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon lies in its handful of honest, vibrant ingredients. Each element pulls its weight, whether it’s bringing that melt-in-your-mouth richness, a smoky undertone, or an inviting burst of color.
- Farfalle (Bow-tie Pasta): Perfect shape for catching creamy sauce and bits of corn in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded, this cheese melts beautifully and gives the sauce its signature savory tang.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Go for skinless, boneless for juicy, tender meat that’s easy to slice and sear.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds an aromatic and gently smoky flavor that ties the corn, chicken, and bacon together.
- Italian Seasoning: An effortless way to layer in herbaceous notes with every sprinkle.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasoning brings out the best in all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: Both for sautéing and for glossing up the finished sauce.
- Corn Kernels (Cooked): Use fresh, sweet corn from cobs (if you can!) for pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chili Powder: Just the right hit of warmth and pep without overwhelming the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The not-so-secret ingredient for that decadent, creamy sauce you’ll be swooning over.
- Bacon (Cooked): Brings irresistible crunch and a salty, smoky punch.
- Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, or Marjoram): Toss on top for a fragrant, fresh finish and pretty pops of green.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a lively boil, then cook your farfalle pasta until nice and al dente, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. While the pasta burbles away, you can dive into the rest of the prep, making this a wonderfully efficient one-pan meal. Once the pasta’s done, drain it and set aside, ready to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
Step 2: Shred the Parmesan Cheese
Next, freshly shred your Parmesan cheese—this step makes all the difference if you want that gorgeous, creamy melt in your sauce. Allow it to sit out near your stovetop so it can warm up slightly, which ensures it’s ready to melt smoothly with zero clumps or gritty texture.
Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Slice your chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized strips, then give them a generous toss in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat and lay the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let the chicken sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate—don’t wipe out the skillet, those flavorful pan juices are staying!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Corn Sauce
Into your skillet go the corn kernels, a little extra olive oil, a fresh pinch of salt and pepper, plus an extra hit of smoked paprika and chili powder for beautiful flavor depth. Sauté for a few minutes to let the corn soak up every last bit of chicken goodness, then scoop out roughly half to save for garnishing the final dish. Now, pour in your heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the warmed Parmesan until it’s silky smooth and dreamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Bring everything together by stirring the drained pasta straight into your sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Nestle in the cooked chicken, then scatter over the crispy bacon and reserved corn kernels. Finally, shower the whole lot with fresh herbs. There’s a reason Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon looks (and tastes!) like a celebration—it’s packed with satisfying textures and joyful flavors in every mouthful.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram brings a garden-bright pop to your plate and underscores the sweetness of the corn and richness of the bacon. For extra flair, offer a bowl of grated Parmesan on the side so everyone can sprinkle as they wish.
Side Dishes
Simple is best with such a flavor-packed pasta. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or warm crusty bread to mop up the last bit of sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini would also play well with the creamy, smoky notes of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, scoop portions into individual bowls and top each with extra corn, a pinch of fresh herbs, and a crumble of crisp bacon. Or try serving it family-style in a big, shallow platter so that all the colorful elements are on full display—perfect for a cozy dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, and the bacon’s flavor becomes even more pronounced as it mingles with the sauce overnight.
Freezing
While creamy pastas can sometimes lose their luxurious texture after freezing, this recipe holds up moderately well. Make sure your pasta has cooled, and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and know that a splash of cream or milk when reheating will help revive its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more cream, milk, or even a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often to keep the creamy sauce from separating, and top off with a fresh handful of crispy bacon and herbs just before serving for that right-from-the-skillet magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great time-saver and works beautifully in Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. Just thaw it and give it a quick pat dry before adding it to your skillet.
Is it possible to substitute chicken breasts for thighs?
Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are a bit leaner—just be sure not to overcook them so they stay tender.
What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta (like corn or quinoa-based bow-ties), and double-check that your spices and bacon are gluten-free too. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep all the components ahead (cook the pasta, bacon, and chicken separately, and make the sauce), then quickly assemble and reheat everything just before serving.
How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
For ultra-velvety sauce, make sure to use full-fat heavy cream, and always shred your own Parmesan for the smoothest melt. If you like it even richer, sneak in a tablespoon of cream cheese while you’re melting the Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. Every bite is a hug in a bowl, blending comfort, color, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this dish is sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite!
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Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. A rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and savory Parmesan cheese in a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. Every bite is a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 10 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Chicken:
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs (or breasts (skinless, boneless))
Seasonings:
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Olive Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (cooked (4 corn ears – corn on the cob))
Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
Bacon:
- 8 strips bacon (cooked)
Herbs:
- Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram (for garnish))
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions (usually about 10 or 12 minutes). Drain when the pasta is done.
- Shred cheese: Shred 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. If using pre-shredded cheese, take it out of the fridge. This step is important because the shredded cheese has to be a bit warmed up to melt successfully in the sauce.
- Cook chicken: Slice chicken thighs into thinner strips. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until done.
- Make creamy corn sauce: Cook corn kernels, seasonings, and spices in the same skillet. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Assembly: Combine cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and corn kernels in the sauce. Top with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Corn Pasta Recipe, Bacon Pasta, Cream Sauce, Pasta with Chicken and Corn
