This creamy bacon chicken and corn pasta is a heartwarming dish full of flavor! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn come together in a luscious sauce that sticks to each pasta bite.
You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up—perfect for busy nights! I often serve it with a sprinkle of cheese on top if I want to treat myself, because who can resist cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie or farfalle pasta works great, but feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its crunchy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, turkey bacon is a great substitute or you can skip it for a vegetarian version.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal, but chicken thighs would add more flavor. If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the sweetest option in summer, but frozen corn works well all year round. Canned corn is fine too; just be sure to drain it well.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the chicken juicy and flavorful is key to this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps to sear the meat nicely.
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for a good sear.
- Let the chicken rest a minute after cooking before adding to the pasta, so it stays juicy.
Creamy Bacon Chicken and Corn Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 3-4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Just a little bit of chopping and sautéing, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy pasta dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Let it cook until it’s nice and crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet for flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if you’re using it. If your skillet looks dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
4. Sauté the Corn:
In the same skillet, add the corn kernels and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through. This brings out their sweetness!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Scrape the skillet to loosen any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom.
6. Add the Cheese:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently so the pasta gets coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be rich and flavorful!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and dig into your creamy bacon chicken and corn pasta!
FAQ for Creamy Bacon Chicken and Corn Pasta
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bowtie pasta is a great substitute for a healthier option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to cook than regular pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or even a mix of milk and a bit of cornstarch for a thickener. Just add one tablespoon of cornstarch to the milk, stir well, and then use it in place of heavy cream.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other veggies like peas, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them alongside the corn to ensure they’re cooked through and tender before adding the cream and broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it gets thick.
