If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to the incredible Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s comfort food taken to the next level, blending smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors that dance beautifully on your palate. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to dinner favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe. Each component plays a vital role: juicy chicken for protein, bacon for crunch and smokiness, sweet corn for a burst of natural sweetness, and a creamy sauce to bring everything together in harmony.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless for easy slicing and even cooking, providing tender, juicy bites.
- Bacon slices: Adds a lovely crispy texture and smoky depth to the dish.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite variety—penne or fusilli work wonderfully, holding the sauce well.
- Olive oil: A light base for cooking chicken and vegetables without overpowering flavors.
- Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and an aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: A hint of pungency that enriches the sauce’s complexity.
- Sweet corn kernels: Inject a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory bacon.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky sauce that truly defines this pasta.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overwhelming creaminess.
- Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements chicken and cream perfectly.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky warmth and a subtle color boost.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of water to cook your pasta until al dente. Make sure not to overcook it because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—that little trick helps loosen the sauce for a perfect silky finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through. Resting the chicken before slicing ensures juicy, tender pieces that will beautifully soak up the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Next, chop the bacon and cook it in the same skillet until crisp and irresistible. The crispy bacon bits add incredible texture and a smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and sweet corn.
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Use the bacon drippings to sauté a chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic for a fragrant base. Cooking these aromatics in bacon fat brings an amazing depth of flavor that makes the sauce truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Add Corn and Cream
Stir sweet corn into the onion and garlic mixture, warming it through before adding the heavy cream and chicken broth. This combination creates a luscious, buttery sauce that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for coating your pasta.
Step 6: Season the Sauce
Enhance the sauce with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices elevate the dish by adding warmth and subtle herbal notes that deepen the complexity of the creamy base.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up—this smooths everything out while helping the sauce cling beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Step 8: Add Chicken and Bacon
Gently fold in the sliced chicken and crispy bacon, letting them warm through and blend perfectly with the creamy sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with those comforting, savory flavors you’re craving.
Step 9: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Just before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan and fresh parsley over the dish. The Parmesan adds a salty richness, while parsley provides a fresh, herbal pop that brightens the entire plate.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika for a bit of smoky color. A few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a lovely finishing touch to either the look or mouthfeel of this creamy pasta.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also make fantastic accompaniments to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or plate it on a large platter with a sprinkle of colorful herbs for an inviting family-style presentation. For a fun twist, try garnishing with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed red pepper flakes to add texture and a hint of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a delicious meal to enjoy again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream, broth, or water to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir frequently to avoid curdling and to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fusilli work well due to their sauce-holding shapes, feel free to use spaghetti, farfalle, or any favorite pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese or omit the Parmesan to keep it fully dairy-free. However, the dish’s richness will be lighter.
Can I bake this dish instead of cooking it on the stove?
This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking to achieve a creamy, saucy texture. Baking would alter the sauce consistency, but you could transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake briefly for a gratin-like finish.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while seasoning the sauce or a dash of hot sauce when stirring in the cream and broth. This adds a pleasant kick that complements the smoky bacon and sweet corn perfectly.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and bacon up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Reheat gently and prepare the sauce fresh before combining everything for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe is truly a delight that brings together simple ingredients into a dish that’s anything but ordinary. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make it, it will hold a special place on your meal rotation, warming hearts and stomachs alike.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and a rich creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy stovetop meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (any preferred type)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
Liquid & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta while reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and let rest before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon slices into small pieces. Using the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the bacon drippings left in the skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Add Corn and Liquids: Stir in the sweet corn kernels and cook for 2 minutes to warm through. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly and let it simmer for 2 minutes until creamy.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked, drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat it with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if too thick.
- Add Chicken and Bacon: Incorporate the sliced chicken and crispy bacon into the pasta mixture. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure even warming.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this indulgent, savory pasta dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra texture, add freshly cracked black pepper when serving.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully; it helps loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- This dish can be made in advance; reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
