Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

Spread the love

Advertisement

Sharing is caring!

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is the perfect dish for you. This meal is rich, creamy, and packed with delicious ingredients that create a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet corn, smoky bacon, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce makes this pasta dish absolutely irresistible.

With a 30-minute total cook time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, yet fancy enough for a special family dinner. Whether you’re using fresh corn in the summer or frozen/canned corn year-round, this pasta delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this amazing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
2. Incredible Flavor: The smoky paprika-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce create a delicious combination.
3. Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by both kids and adults.
4. Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.
5. Comfort Food: The rich, creamy texture makes it an incredibly satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta and Cheese:

• 10 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Corn:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked corn kernels (from 4 corn ears, canned, or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Cheese

1. Shred ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and place it in a heatproof bowl near the stove.
2. If using pre-shredded cheese, take it out of the fridge in advance so it softens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Slice chicken thighs or breasts into thin strips.
2. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Corn

1. Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Stir in cooked corn kernels, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté on low heat for about 3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. Remove half of the corn kernels from the pan and set them aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. To the skillet with the remaining half of the corn, add 1 cup of heavy cream.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
3. Gradually stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
4. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked chicken.
3. Top with chopped cooked bacon and the reserved corn kernels.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme, oregano, or marjoram.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can enhance it with:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with homemade garlic bread for extra indulgence.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers add an extra dose of nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 946 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Protein: 56g
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 253mg
• Sodium: 964mg
• Potassium: 876mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Vitamin A: 1,828 IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 234mg
• Iron: 3mg

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that combines smoky, creamy, and savory flavors into one incredible dish. Whether you’re using fresh summer corn or frozen kernels in the winter, this recipe will never disappoint. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor that both kids and adults will love.

With its quick prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights but feels special enough for entertaining guests. Try this dish tonight and experience a new go-to chicken pasta favorite!

🥓 Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon – A Comforting Delight! 🍽️

---

• Author: therecipemingle
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

When you need a quick, satisfying meal, this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is the perfect solution! Ready in just 30 minutes, it blends tender chicken, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and a rich, cheesy sauce into a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether using fresh summer corn or convenient frozen/canned kernels, this pasta will be a family favorite all year long.

---

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cheese:

✔️ 10 oz Farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
✔️ ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

For the Chicken:

✔️ 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts
✔️ 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
✔️ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✔️ ¼ tsp salt
✔️ Black pepper, to taste
✔️ 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Corn:

✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 2 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
✔️ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✔️ 1 tsp chili powder
✔️ Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

✔️ 1 cup heavy cream
✔️ 8 strips cooked bacon, chopped
✔️ Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish

---

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

🔹 Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Prep the Cheese:

🔹 Shred ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and set it near the stove so it warms slightly, helping it melt smoothly into the sauce.

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken:

🔹 Slice chicken into thin strips and season well with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
🔹 Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
🔹 Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Corn Sauce:

🔹 In the same skillet, add cooked corn, 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
🔹 Stir and cook for 3 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors.
🔹 Remove half of the corn and set it aside.
🔹 Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
🔹 Stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese, mixing on low heat until melted and creamy.

5️⃣ Assemble the Dish:

🔹 Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat.
🔹 Stir in cooked chicken.
🔹 Top with chopped bacon and the reserved corn kernels.
🔹 Garnish with fresh thyme, oregano, or marjoram.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 946 kcal per serving
• Sodium: 964mg
• Fat: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 56g