Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon – A Flavorful & Easy Dinner!

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal? Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is the perfect dish! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and a rich, cheesy sauce to create a meal that is both satisfying and indulgent. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. ✔ Rich & Creamy – A luscious Parmesan cheese sauce makes this dish irresistible. ✔ Perfect Balance of Flavors – Smoky, crispy bacon and sweet corn add incredible depth. ✔ Kid & Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults! ✔ Versatile – Can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, so you can enjoy it all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta & Cheese:

• 10 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta) – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and a savory depth.

Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts – Skinless and boneless.
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika – Adds a mild smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Enhances the flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – To taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper – For a bit of spice.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the chicken.

Corn:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the corn.
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – Sweet and juicy.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky flavors.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a little heat.
• Salt & pepper – To taste.

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a luxurious sauce.
• 8 strips bacon – Cooked and crumbled.
• Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) – For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Drain and set aside while preparing the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prep the Cheese

1. Shred ½ cup Parmesan cheese and place it in a heatproof bowl close to the stove. Letting it warm up slightly will help it melt smoothly into the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 4: Make the Creamy Corn Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat.
2. Add the cooked corn kernels, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
4. Remove half of the corn kernels and set aside for topping.
5. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked chicken.
3. Top with chopped bacon and the reserved corn kernels.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
• Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

✔ Use Fresh Corn in the Summer – It adds extra sweetness and crunch! ✔ Heavy Cream for the Best Texture – Substituting milk won’t give the same richness. ✔ Crispy Bacon is Key – Cook it until golden brown for the best texture. ✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keeps it tender and juicy. ✔ Adjust the Spice Level – Add more chili powder for extra heat!

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

This dish is already a complete meal, but if you’re looking for some great pairings, try these: 🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. 🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A crisp contrast to the rich pasta. 🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Add some extra nutrition. 🍷 A Glass of White Wine – Complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great with this sauce.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream if needed.

Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a small gathering, this dish is sure to impress.