The combination of creamy chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that work so well together in this pasta dish. The richness of the creamy sauce coats every bite, while the bursts of sweetness from the corn bring a delightful contrast. The bacon adds a perfect touch of smokiness and crunch that makes each mouthful a little more exciting. As the pasta soaks up the sauce, it becomes this comforting, savory dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. What I love most about this recipe is how easily it transforms a few simple ingredients into something truly special for dinner. The balance of textures—from the velvety sauce to the crispy bacon—keeps you coming back for more, and it’s just one of those meals you’ll crave on repeat.
Key Ingredients in Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful with ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in the dish, from the rich creaminess to the smoky bacon crunch. Let’s break down what makes these ingredients shine:
* Boneless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, the chicken serves as the hearty base of the dish. Its mild flavor absorbs all the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying.
* Bacon – The crispy bacon adds a smokey, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce. It’s that little touch that makes the dish unforgettable.
* Pasta – A sturdy pasta, like penne or fusilli, holds the creamy sauce well, ensuring each bite is coated perfectly.
* Olive oil – Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, olive oil adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
* Onion – The sweet, slightly sharp onion brings a savory depth to the base of the sauce, complementing the richness of the cream.
* Garlic – Garlic adds that aromatic punch that’s a must in any savory dish. It’s both bold and comforting, enhancing the overall flavor.
* Sweet corn kernels – These little bursts of sweetness give the dish a light and fresh contrast, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.
* Heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy, enveloping the pasta and chicken in a smooth, velvety texture.
* Chicken broth – The chicken broth helps thin out the sauce just enough, adding a savory background flavor without making it too heavy.
* Dried thyme – A sprinkle of thyme brings a herby earthiness to the sauce, adding complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile.
* Paprika – A touch of paprika gives a subtle smokiness and mild heat, complementing the bacon and bringing a warm depth to the dish.
* Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients, salt ensures the dish is seasoned to perfection.
* Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a little kick and balances the richness of the cream and bacon.
* Grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together and gives the sauce an extra creamy touch.
* Fresh parsley – A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor to finish off the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
1. Cook the pasta: Start by heating a large pot of water on the stove. Once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta, but be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, take the boneless chicken breasts and season both sides with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a light dusting of paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces and add it to the same skillet. Cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic: Using the bacon drippings in the skillet, add one chopped small onion. Cook over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
5. Add the sweet corn and cream: Add one cup of sweet corn kernels to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until warmed through. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Season the sauce: Stir in one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of paprika, a half teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings, then let the sauce simmer for another couple of minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
7. Combine the pasta: Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
8. Add the chicken and bacon: Add the cooked chicken pieces and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Let the pasta sit in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure everything is evenly heated.
9. Finish with Parmesan and parsley: When ready to serve, sprinkle the dish with a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve the creamy chicken and corn pasta hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this comforting dish.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
* A side of garlic bread – This pasta is so creamy and rich, so a crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect addition to soak up any extra sauce. Plus, who doesn’t love the crunch and buttery goodness of garlic bread alongside a comforting pasta dish?
* A crisp green salad – Balance out the richness of the pasta with a refreshing green salad. Toss together some fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed baby lettuce with a light vinaigrette. The acidity and freshness of the salad will perfectly cut through the creaminess of the dish.
* A chilled glass of white wine – Pair this creamy pasta with a glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The subtle acidity of the wine complements the richness of the dish, making each bite and sip a delicious experience.
How to Store Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
If you happen to have leftovers (which, trust me, is rare because this dish is so tasty), here’s how to store it and keep it as fresh as possible:
* Refrigeration – Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the pasta fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool down before storing, so it doesn’t affect the texture of the sauce.
* Freezing – If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Transfer the cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to life.
* Reheating – When reheating the pasta, do so slowly over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a bit of pasta water or cream to smooth out the sauce as it heats up, ensuring every bite is as creamy as the first!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation! With its perfectly balanced flavors and textures, the creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon brings together everything we love about a hearty meal: richness, crunch, and a hint of sweetness. It’s a dish that’ll have you savoring each bite, and the best part is how easy it is to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or treating yourself to something special, this recipe never disappoints.
I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! If you’ve got any questions or feedback as you cook, or if you need a little help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Description
A luscious, creamy pasta filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in a velvety sauce. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky, this dish brings comfort and flavor with every bite—an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by heating a large pot of water on the stove to cook the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. After the pasta is cooked, drain it, but save about half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
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While the pasta is cooking, take the two boneless chicken breasts and season them on both sides with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a light dusting of paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. After a few minutes, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
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Next, take four slices of bacon and cut them into small pieces. Add the bacon to the same skillet and cook it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes crispy, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
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In the same skillet, using the bacon drippings, add one chopped small onion and cook it over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the two minced garlic cloves to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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Now, add one cup of sweet corn kernels to the skillet, stirring them into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the corn to warm through. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of chicken broth, stirring well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Stir in one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of paprika, a half teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring that all the seasonings are evenly distributed in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
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Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Add the cooked chicken pieces and crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring everything together to combine and heat through. Let the pasta sit in the skillet for another 1 to 2 minutes to make sure everything is evenly heated.
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Once ready to serve, sprinkle the dish with a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve the creamy chicken and corn pasta hot, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this comforting dish.
Note
- Let the pasta cook just until al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Save some pasta water before draining—it helps adjust the sauce consistency later.
- For extra flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley right before serving for the best presentation.
