If you’re craving a comforting and flavor-packed pasta dish, look no further than this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon. This recipe has become a fan-favorite, blending the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent elements to create a meal that’s both satisfying and irresistible.
Imagine tender chicken, juicy corn kernels, and crispy bacon nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that delivers on both taste and texture, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this creamy chicken and corn pasta apart is the mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, made with a blend of heavy cream and parmesan, coats each bite, creating a luxurious experience. The tender chicken and sweet corn provide a delightful contrast to the crispy, salty bacon, making every forkful a delightful interplay of tastes and sensations.
Beyond its exceptional flavor, this recipe is also incredibly accessible. Most of the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. Plus, it can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon ❓
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
The beauty of this creamy chicken and corn pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and salty bacon creates the comforting, family-friendly flavor profile that has made pasta recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon grease behind. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
• Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 6: Add the cooked chicken, corn kernels, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Step 7: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley (if using) before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional pasta casseroles which can take up to an hour to prepare, this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 865mg
These creamy chicken and corn pasta dishes provide approximately 25% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a more keto-friendly dish.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
• Added protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled or sautéed shrimp or extra chicken.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate more veggies like sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or peas for an extra nutritional punch.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the creamy chicken and corn pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crusty garlic bread or warm rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Complement the dish with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
• For a family-friendly meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes.
• Create an impressive dinner party spread by adding the pasta to a platter with grilled or roasted meats and a variety of side dishes.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water: Saving a cup or two of the starchy pasta cooking water can help thicken the sauce and allow it to cling better to the noodles.
• Using too much or too little sauce: The right balance of creamy sauce is essential to achieve the perfect texture. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed.
• Not properly draining the bacon: Leaving too much bacon grease in the pan can make the dish overly greasy and heavy. Be sure to remove the bacon and drain the excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.
• Rushing the cooking process: Taking the time to properly sauté the chicken and vegetables, as well as allow the sauce to thicken, is crucial for developing the dish’s complex flavors.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These creamy chicken and corn pasta dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the pasta, then transfer to a freezer-safe baking dish, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover pasta, place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this creamy chicken and corn pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, cubed ham, or even crumbled Italian sausage. The key is to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through. You may also need to adjust the seasoning to complement the new protein choice.
Is there a dairy-free or lactose-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this creamy chicken and corn pasta. Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan cheese alternative. These substitutions will provide a creamy texture without the dairy.
Why is my pasta turning out dry or gummy?
To avoid dry or gummy pasta, be sure to cook it al dente, according to the package instructions. Overcooking can lead to a mushy, gummy texture. Additionally, make sure to reserve some of the starchy pasta cooking water to help the sauce cling to the noodles and prevent dryness.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This creamy chicken and corn pasta is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Some great options include sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, peas, or even diced zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These creamy chicken and corn pasta dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, they’re sure to delight with their rich, creamy sauce and delightful interplay of textures.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these creamy pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So go ahead, indulge in the irresistible combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon nestled in a luxurious, creamy sauce. Your taste buds are in for a truly delightful experience.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
• 12 ounces penne or other short pasta
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
• Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon grease behind. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
• Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 6: Add the cooked chicken, corn kernels, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Step 7: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with the crumbled bacon and chopped parsley (if using) before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
