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Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that will have your family asking for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon recipe. Picture this: tender chicken, sweet corn, and savory bacon all enveloped in a creamy parmesan sauce – it’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes. This dish is the perfect balance of comfort food meets gourmet, and the best part is that it comes together in just 30 minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand.
I stumbled upon this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon recipe on a hectic Tuesday night, and it has since become a family favorite that never fails to impress. The addition of smoky bacon, smoked paprika, and a touch of chili powder elevates this pasta dish from good to extraordinary. The flavors blend harmoniously to create a meal that is both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Trust me, once you try this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon, it will become a regular feature on your dinner rotation.
Quick Benefits
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights and last-minute dinner plans
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with seasonal produce for different variations throughout the year
- Family-friendly dish that pleases even picky eaters with its delicious combination of flavors
- Dish reheats well for tasty leftovers, making it a convenient option for lunch the next day
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta: Delicious Bacon Twist Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in 30 minutes.
- Family Favorite: Loved by both picky eaters and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet corn, smoky bacon, and tender chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Versatile: Can be adapted with seasonal produce like fresh corn in summer or spinach in fall.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes gourmet, but is straightforward to prepare, ideal for casual entertaining.
- Make-ahead: Bacon and chicken can be cooked in advance to reduce active cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
- Leftovers Reheat Well: Flavors meld overnight for even more deliciousness, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta: Delicious Bacon Twist
Pasta and cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Corn
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups corn kernels, cooked (4 corn ears – corn on the cob)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other ingredients
- 8 strips bacon, cooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish
How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta: Delicious Bacon Twist
Step 1: Cook pasta
1. Boil a large pot of water. Cook pasta following package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes. Drain when cooked. Continue with the recipe as the water heats and pasta cooks.
Step 2: Shred cheese
Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and let it sit at room temperature to slightly warm up before using in the sauce. Place the grated cheese in a heatproof bowl near the stove to facilitate warming.
Step 3: Cook chicken
Cut chicken thighs into thin strips. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until done. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Make creamy corn sauce
In the same skillet, add cooked corn kernels, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Cook on low heat for 3 minutes. Remove half of the corn. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet with the remaining corn. Bring to a simmer, then stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 5: Assembly
Stir in cooked and drained pasta, cooked chicken, half of the corn kernels, chopped cooked bacon, and fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram).
Storage Tips
Once you have enjoyed this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon, storing any leftovers properly is essential to maintain its flavors and texture. Store the finished dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, warm the pasta gently with a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. The flavors of this dish tend to meld even more overnight, making it a delicious option for lunch the next day.
While this pasta reheats well for future meals, it is not recommended to freeze it. Cream sauces like the one in this recipe can separate when thawed, affecting the overall texture and taste of the dish. To save time on busy weeknights, consider preparing the bacon and chicken ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until needed. This can significantly reduce the active cooking time when you are ready to enjoy this comforting and flavorful pasta dish again.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version of this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon, you can opt for turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon strips as a substitute for the pork bacon. This change will still provide that smoky flavor without the pork. Additionally, if you prefer a different protein, such as shrimp or tofu, feel free to swap out the chicken thighs or breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can omit the chicken altogether and increase the amount of corn or add in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the taste profile to your liking. Consider using a blend of herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley for a fresh twist. This versatile recipe allows for creativity and flexibility in ingredient substitutions based on dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, try topping each bowl of creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for an added layer of flavor and texture. The slight sweetness and crunch of the shallots will complement the smoky bacon and creamy sauce beautifully, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Another fun idea is to serve this delectable pasta dish in mini cast iron skillets for a charming and rustic presentation. The individual skillets not only add a touch of whimsy to the meal but also keep the pasta warm throughout the meal, allowing everyone to savor each bite of the creamy chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in all its piping hot glory. Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish, making it a memorable dining experience for your guests.
FAQs for Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta: Delicious Bacon Twist
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but farfalle (bow-tie pasta) works well with this creamy chicken and corn dish because its shape holds the sauce and other ingredients nicely.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use either chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Just make sure they are skinless and boneless for easier cooking and eating.
Can I make this dish without bacon for a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon to make a vegetarian version of this creamy chicken and corn pasta. You can also add some vegetarian bacon substitute for a similar smoky flavor.
How can I make this dish lighter or more health-conscious?
To make this dish lighter, you can use low-fat cream or substitute part of the cream with chicken or vegetable broth. You can also use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a lower-fat option.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is truly a dish that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe never fails to impress, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something comforting yet elevated. The magic of sweet corn, smoky bacon, and tender chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters in your life.
Whether you serve this pasta for a quick family dinner, share it with friends at a casual gathering, or bring it to someone in need of a delicious meal, it’s bound to be a hit. The versatility of this dish allows for seasonal adaptations and personal touches, making it a recipe that you can truly make your own. So go ahead, whip up a batch of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon, and savor the joy of creating a memorable and delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta: Delicious Bacon Twist
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon: A comforting yet special dish that balances sweet corn, smoky bacon, and tender chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce.
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time30 Minutes
CuisineItalian-American
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings
Ingredients
Pasta and cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Corn
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups corn kernels, cooked (4 corn ears – corn on the cob)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other ingredients
- 8 strips bacon, cooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook pasta: 1. Boil a large pot of water. Cook pasta following package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes. Drain when cooked. Continue with the recipe as the water heats and pasta cooks.
-
Shred cheese: Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and let it sit at room temperature to slightly warm up before using in the sauce. Place the grated cheese in a heatproof bowl near the stove to facilitate warming.
-
Cook chicken: Cut chicken thighs into thin strips. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until done. Transfer chicken to a plate.
-
Make creamy corn sauce: In the same skillet, add cooked corn kernels, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Cook on low heat for 3 minutes. Remove half of the corn. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet with the remaining corn. Bring to a simmer, then stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until melted.
-
Assembly: Stir in cooked and drained pasta, cooked chicken, half of the corn kernels, chopped cooked bacon, and fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram).
