This creamy chicken and corn pasta is a dream come true for dinner! It features tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in a rich sauce. Yum!
I love how this dish is super quick to make. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. Plus, who can resist bacon? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using farfalle for its fun shape that holds the sauce well! If you don’t have farfalle, feel free to swap it for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Chicken: Diced chicken breasts are perfect here, but thighs can add extra flavor. If you need a quicker option, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken!
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a savory crunch. If you prefer a lighter dish, you could substitute turkey bacon or leave it out altogether for a meatless meal.
Cheese: Cheddar brings a nice creaminess. I recommend sharp cheddar for a punchy flavor. If you’re out of cheddar, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese.
How Do You Cook Chicken So It’s Perfectly Done?
Cooking chicken well can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. First, ensure your pan is hot enough; this means heating the oil until it shimmers. Season your chicken liberally for great flavor!
- Place the chicken in the skillet without crowding it, which helps it brown instead of steam.
- Cook each side for a total of 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for a minute off the heat, as it will continue cooking slightly and stay juicy.
How to Make Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta With Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook altogether. This includes time to boil the pasta, sauté the chicken and corn, and create a creamy, savory sauce. You’ll love how quickly you can whip this up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (meaning it’s firm to the bite). When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for a flavor boost. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Corn:
In the same skillet, add in the corn kernels. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. After that, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, combining everything nicely.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so it thickens just a bit. This will create a creamy sauce you’ll absolutely love!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon into the skillet. Gently stir everything until it’s well combined and heated through. If your sauce looks a bit too thick, feel free to add more chicken broth or cream to get it to your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it’s melted and creamy throughout. Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. To add a fresh touch, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley right before serving!
Enjoy your creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon—it’s delicious and satisfying!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Just note that using a lighter option may result in a less creamy sauce, so consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to help loosen the sauce as it heats.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini along with the corn. Just sauté them until tender before adding the chicken back to the skillet, which will boost the flavor and nutrition!
