This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is pure comfort on a plate: golden seared chicken, sweet pops of corn, savory bacon, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that hugs every bit of tender pasta. It’s the kind of meal you crave when you want something unfussy but extravagantly delicious—cozy, colorful, and destined to be a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dreamy, Creamy Sauce: The Parmesan and heavy cream create the silkiest, most luscious coating for every bite of pasta.
- Packed with Texture: You get golden, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and bursts of tender corn in every forkful—the perfect mix of flavors and mouthfeel!
- Ultra Family-Friendly: This cozy pasta is simple enough for a busy weeknight but showy enough to serve to guests or at Sunday dinner.
- Totally Customizable: Switch up the veggies, use your favorite pasta shape, or spice things up to truly make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is chosen for maximum flavor, zingy color, and just the right amount of comfort. Don’t worry—everything is easy to find, but together they add up to something that feels extra-special.
- Farfalle (Bow-tie Pasta): Perfectly shaped to catch that dreamy sauce, farfalle offers a fun, elegant look and satisfying bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: For depth and tang; fresh-shredded always melts best for that smooth, cheesy finish.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Either option turns out juicy and tender, but thighs bring extra richness if you can find them.
- Smoked Paprika & Italian Seasoning: The smoked paprika brings a subtle warmth and color, while Italian seasoning layers in herbaceous flavor.
- Olive Oil: Keeps your chicken golden and moist while adding its own subtle perfume.
- Corn Kernels (about 4 cobs): Fresh or frozen work beautifully—sweet, tender corn adds that irresistible pop and brightness.
- Chili Powder: Just a pinch for a gentle kick; it deepens the flavor of the corn without overpowering.
- Heavy Cream: The secret behind that utterly velvety sauce.
- Bacon: Salty, crisp, and smoky—bacon turns this into a truly show-stopping main!
- Fresh Herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram): For color and fragrance, plus a burst of freshness at the very end.
Variations
The absolute beauty of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is how delightfully flexible it is. Feel free to riff on the basics depending on what you have in your fridge or how spicy, cheesy, or green you want to go!
- Swap Veggies: Stir in a cup of baby spinach, sautéed zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and pops of color.
- Try Different Cheese: Mix parmesan with pecorino, asiago, or a touch of sharp white cheddar for a distinct cheesy finish.
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a zesty kick in the sauce!
- Go Lighter: Replace some of the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter but still luscious result.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients are GF-friendly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Get your pasta water boiling right away—this lets you multitask efficiently while the rest of the Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon comes together. Cook the bow-tie pasta until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside. (If it finishes before you assemble the sauce, toss it lightly with olive oil so it doesn’t stick.)
Step 2: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Slice your chicken into thin, even strips for quicker cooking and maximum flavor. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until cooked through and beautifully golden. Remove the chicken to a plate—those browned bits left behind are flavor gold!
Step 3: Season and Sauté the Corn
In the same pan (no need to wash!), drizzle in more olive oil and toss in your sweet corn kernels. Add a little paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This step not only warms the corn but lets it soak up all those delicious chicken drippings—yum. Remove half to a plate to sprinkle on later.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into your skillet with the remaining corn and gently bring to a simmer. Stir in the pre-warmed shredded Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce turns glossy and thick—this is where magic happens for the Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon!
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Fold the cooked pasta and seared chicken into the creamy corn sauce, making sure every bow-tie is beautifully coated. Top with crisp bacon pieces and the reserved sweet corn for a contrast of flavor and texture. Scatter your favorite fresh chopped herbs on top and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
- Corn Perfection: If it’s corn season, grill or char the cobs first for a deeply sweet and smoky flavor that takes this pasta over the top!
- Cheese Matters: Freshly shred your Parmesan and let it come to room temperature before adding—it melts into the creamiest sauce without clumping.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick once the pasta is added, splash in a little reserved pasta water to loosen and silkify it.
- Bacon Timing: Cook your bacon until very crisp—it holds up better in the sauce and adds the most satisfying crunch and flavor pop.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Garnishes
Finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and your favorite fresh herbs—think thyme, oregano, or marjoram. If you want to really impress, a few cracks of black pepper and a sprinkle of extra bacon crumbles make each bowl look and taste absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish is so hearty it needs little more than a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans to round out the meal. Crusty bread for swiping up every bit of that creamy sauce? Non-negotiable in my book!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon family-style on a big platter, or pile into shallow warm bowls for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For parties, you can spoon the pasta into individual mini ramekins or even hollowed bread bowls—guaranteed to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool slightly before closing the lid to keep condensation (and soggy bacon) at bay.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is at its best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in individual portions. Place in freezer-safe containers and use within 1 month for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. If microwaving, cover loosely and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between so the sauce stays smooth and luxurious.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon—just thaw and drain it before sautéing as you would fresh kernels. You’ll still get those lovely pops of sweetness in your dish.
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What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?
Farfalle bow-tie pasta is classic and great for catching the creamy sauce, but any short pasta with crevices—like penne, rotini, or shells—are fantastic substitutes.
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Can I make this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prep the components in advance (cook pasta, chicken, and bacon; make sauce), then quickly assemble and gently reheat just before serving for best flavor and texture.
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Is there a way to lighten up the sauce without losing the creamy texture?
Try swapping half the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be lighter but still deliciously creamy; just simmer gently and don’t let it boil hard to prevent breaking.
Final Thoughts
If you love a recipe that brings both nourishment and joy to your table, you simply have to try Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. It’s a bowlful of comfort, color, and just the right amount of indulgence. Come hungry—this one has “new favorite” written all over it!
PrintCreamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and savory Parmesan cheese. The perfect comfort food for any day of the week!
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese:
- 10 oz farfalle bow-tie pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Chicken:
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Corn:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups corn kernels cooked (4 corn ears – corn on the cob)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 strips bacon cooked
- Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water, cook pasta until al dente, and drain.
- Shred Cheese: Shred Parmesan cheese and let it warm up.
- Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken until done, then set aside.
- Make Creamy Corn Sauce: Cook corn with spices, then add cream and cheese.
- Assembly: Combine pasta, chicken, corn sauce, bacon, and herbs.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika and chili powder.
- To save time, prep ingredients like shredding cheese and cooking bacon ahead of starting the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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