This creamy chicken and corn pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, it’s a delightful meal that’s easy to whip up.
I love how the bacon adds that perfect crunch and flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch and enjoy every single bite! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend farfalle for this dish, as its shape holds the sauce well. If you don’t have farfalle, try penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Each type will give a slightly different texture but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a fantastic crunch! If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works great, too, although it won’t be quite as crispy. Feel free to skip it altogether if you’re looking for a vegetarian version—just add more veggies for flavor!
Chicken: I love using thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts are an excellent choice as well. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add it in during the last few minutes to heat through!
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn is equally convenient and just as tasty. If corn isn’t your favorite, try adding diced bell peppers or peas for a different twist
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt. This will reduce the creaminess but still provide a lovely sauce!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Bacon?
Crispy bacon can really elevate this dish! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Start your bacon in a cold skillet; this helps render out the fat for crispiness.
- Cook over medium heat—don’t rush it! Patience will reward you with crispy pieces.
- Cook until the bacon is medium brown, then drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
This method will make sure your bacon is crispy and adds the wonderful flavor to the pasta!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
For the Corn and Bacon:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh oregano leaves for garnish)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (oregano or parsley), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet tasty enough to impress your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Crispy Bacon Time!
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they’re crispy, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Be sure to keep some of that tasty bacon fat in the pan for flavor!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
In the same skillet, if the pan looks a bit dry, add the olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Corn:
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and corn kernels. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the corn is lightly browned and fragrant. Give it a little pinch of salt and sprinkle in the dried oregano for added flavor.
5. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it warm for 1-2 minutes before adding the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is nice and creamy.
6. Bring It All Together:
Now, it’s time to mix! Return the chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until it’s well combined and heated through.
7. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your creamy chicken and corn pasta to plates and garnish with fresh oregano or parsley leaves. Enjoy this comforting dish full of flavor and texture!
Happy Cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great substitute and saves prep time. Just toss it directly into the skillet without thawing, and it will cook evenly with the garlic.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to maintain some creaminess, although it will be less rich.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it needs loosening up.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Certainly! You can omit the chicken and bacon and replace them with your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers and mushrooms. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu for extra substance!
