This creamy chicken and corn pasta is a cozy dish that’s sure to warm your heart! It’s packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon for a taste that’s comforting and delicious.
Honestly, who can resist bacon? I often find myself adding a little extra just because! 🍙 It’s an easy meal to whip up on a busy night, and it pairs perfectly with a simple salad.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this dish due to its fun shape, but you can swap it for any pasta you have on hand like penne or fusilli. Just make sure it cooks to the right texture!
Corn: Fresh corn brings a lovely sweetness, but if it’s out of season, frozen corn works perfectly. You could also try canned corn, just drain it well!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used instead. Pancetta or even smoked sausage could work too!
Chicken: Chicken thighs have more flavor but feel free to use breasts if that’s what you prefer. Also, leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. However, the cream does make the dish super creamy!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the chicken cooked just right is key for this dish! Make sure to season it well for full flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice brown sear.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for better cooking. You can always check with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting helps retain juices, making it tender and tasty!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 oz (225g) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon
Vegetables and Flavor:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears) or frozen corn, thawed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh oregano or parsley leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook until they’re crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on paper towels to drain. Keep 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor, and discard the rest or save it for another recipe!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add a little olive oil if necessary, and then add the chicken. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked all the way through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Corn:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the corn kernels and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to caramelize and turn a beautiful golden color.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine all the delicious flavors. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce for about 5 minutes, thickening up nicely.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. This is where your creamy sauce comes together! Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy chicken and corn pasta is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh oregano or parsley leaves. Enjoy this hearty dish with family or friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta you enjoy, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for turkey bacon or omit it altogether. Additionally, swapping in whole grain or veggie-based pasta can enhance the nutrition without sacrificing flavor!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Corn?
No worries! You can use frozen corn that’s been thawed, or if you have canned corn, that works too. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help bring back the creaminess and prevent the pasta from drying out!
