This creamy chicken corn pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, it’s the ultimate comfort food that sings with flavors.
I love how the crunchy bacon adds a fun twist to each bite! Perfect for any night when you crave something hearty and satisfying. Just cook, mix, and enjoy—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: You can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pasta. I love using whole wheat pasta for an extra nutty flavor and more fiber!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds essential flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too! Feel free to skip bacon entirely for a vegetarian version, just add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Chicken: Diced chicken breasts are perfect here, but you can use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Substitute with chickpeas or tofu for a lighter option.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and delightful, but frozen corn works just as well and can be more convenient. You could also try adding peas or bell peppers if you want to mix it up.
Cream: Heavy cream gives this dish its richness. Light cream or half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce. For vegan options, coconut cream works surprisingly well!
How Do You Get Creamy Sauce Without it Being Too Heavy?
The creaminess comes from a perfect balance of heavy cream and chicken broth! To avoid a heavy sauce, try this method:
- Start by simmering the heavy cream and chicken broth together. This allows for reduction and concentration of flavors.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually until melted. It helps to thicken without making it overly rich.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to adjust consistency without losing flavor.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before mixing it with the pasta. A sprinkle of salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish!
These techniques will help you achieve a creamy, well-balanced sauce that’s satisfying but not too rich. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything prepared (chopping, measuring) and about 15-20 minutes cooking it all together. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
If the skillet looks dry, add a splash of olive oil. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Add the Corn:
Stir in the corn kernels and let them cook in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring the mixture to combine. Bring this to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine with Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Mix Everything Together:
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet and then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with that delicious creamy sauce.
9. Serve:
Serve the pasta warm, topped with crispy bacon pieces. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy:
Dig into your delightful creamy chicken corn pasta with crispy bacon! It’s a comforting meal that everyone will love.
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta with Crispy Bacon
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fusilli work great, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shapes such as farfalle or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance! Cook the pasta, chicken, and sauce separately, then combine them right before serving. Store everything in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently on the stove.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.
