Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

This delectable dish combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.​Salted Mint+1Southern Living+1
• Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with savory bacon and creamy sauce.​Salted Mint
• Versatile: Can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, and you can use any pasta shape you prefer.​
• Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (e.g., bow-tie, penne, or your choice)​
• Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces​
• Smoked paprika​Julia’s Album+1JCP Eats+1
• Italian seasoning​Julia’s Album+1Pocket Friendly Recipes+1
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper​
• Olive oil​
• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)​Log in or sign up to view+5Julia’s Album+5The Farmstyle+5
• Chili powder​Log in or sign up to view+8Food & Wine+8EatingWell+8
• Heavy cream​JCP Eats+3Julia’s Album+3Pocket Friendly Recipes+3
• Parmesan cheese, grated​
• Bacon strips, cooked and crumbled​Pocket Friendly Recipes+1Julia’s Album+1
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or basil) for garnish​

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.​
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.​Julia’s Album+2JCP Eats+2Pocket Friendly Recipes+2
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.​
4. Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the corn kernels, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the corn is tender and slightly charred. Remove half of the corn and set aside for later use.​Pocket Friendly Recipes
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: To the remaining corn in the skillet, add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.​Salted Mint+2JCP Eats+2Pocket Friendly Recipes+2
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the creamy corn sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated and heated through.​Pocket Friendly Recipes
7. Garnish and Serve: Top the pasta with the crumbled bacon and the reserved corn kernels. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.​JCP Eats

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.​
• Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.​
• Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.​
• Total Time: Around 30 minutes.​

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and bacon. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.​
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the corn for an extra spicy flavor.​
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a different twist.​
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta to alter the flavor profile.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.​Salted Mint
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.​

FAQs

How can I make this dish healthier?

To lighten up the recipe, use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of heavy cream by substituting part of it with low-fat milk, and opt for turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.​

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta when combining all the ingredients.​

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like bow-tie (farfalle), penne, or rotini are ideal as they hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand.​Julia’s Album

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.​

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adding a bit of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.​

How can I add more vegetables to this pasta?

Consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them along with the corn or separately before mixing them into the pasta.​

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind that this will alter the richness of the dish.​

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If

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