Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a quick and flavorful 30-minute dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a creamy sauce. This delicious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing meal for guests. It’s a versatile dish that can be made year-round, whether with fresh summer corn or frozen or canned kernels.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Corn:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups corn kernels (from about 4 ears of corn)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

• Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions (usually about 10–12 minutes). Drain when done.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into thinner strips. Season generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Make the Creamy Corn Sauce: In the same skillet, add the corn kernels, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors. Remove half of the corn kernels and set them aside. Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the remaining corn. Bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts.

4. Assemble the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy corn sauce. Add the cooked chicken and stir well to combine. Top with chopped bacon, the reserved corn kernels, and fresh herbs.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 946 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 70g

• Protein: 48g

• Fat: 55g

• Saturated Fat: 18g

• Cholesterol: 157mg

• Sodium: 1042mg

• Potassium: 720mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 9g

• Vitamin A: 625 IU

• Vitamin C: 13mg

• Calcium: 250mg

• Iron: 4mg

The Appeal of a Creamy Pasta Dish

Pasta dishes are often the go-to for quick and comforting meals, and Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon elevates the classic creamy pasta with an exciting blend of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the natural sweetness of the corn adds complexity to the dish, while the rich cream sauce ties it all together, creating a luscious, indulgent coating for the pasta. With the added bonus of protein from both the chicken and bacon, it’s a complete meal that satisfies both your cravings for comfort food and your need for a balanced dish.

Choosing the Right Chicken for the Dish

For this recipe, you can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice because they are juicy and flavorful, and they stay tender even when cooked at higher temperatures. However, chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer a leaner cut. Regardless of your choice, it’s important to season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, which adds layers of flavor before cooking. Pan-searing the chicken in olive oil creates a beautifully golden exterior, locking in the moisture and ensuring that the chicken remains tender and flavorful.

The Smoky and Sweet Corn Flavor

The corn in this dish plays a vital role in both texture and flavor. The corn kernels are seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder, which add a depth of flavor and a slight smokiness to contrast with the sweetness of the corn. Cooking the corn in olive oil allows it to caramelize slightly, which intensifies its flavor. Reserving half of the corn and adding it back later helps preserve the sweet crunch of the kernels, providing a wonderful contrast to the creamy sauce. Whether using fresh, frozen, or canned corn, the key is to allow it to cook long enough to develop a rich, savory flavor while still maintaining its natural sweetness.

The Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce for this pasta dish is made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream creates a rich base, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the chicken and bacon. The sauce is gently simmered, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together into a velvety, indulgent coating for the pasta. The heavy cream ensures that the sauce has a rich, smooth texture that clings to every strand of pasta, while the Parmesan gives it an added layer of flavor and depth.

The Addition of Bacon

Bacon is the perfect finishing touch to this creamy pasta dish. The crispy, salty bacon adds an irresistible crunch and a burst of savory flavor that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Chopping the bacon into small pieces ensures that it is evenly distributed throughout the dish, providing a bit of crispy bacon in every bite. The smokiness of the bacon complements the smoked paprika used on the chicken and corn, bringing the entire dish together with a cohesive flavor profile.

Assembling the Dish

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, assembling the dish is a straightforward process. After the chicken is cooked and sliced, it’s added to the creamy corn sauce along with the pasta. Stirring everything together allows the pasta to soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce while integrating the tender chicken and corn. The crispy bacon, reserved corn kernels, and fresh herbs are then sprinkled on top, adding freshness, texture, and a final burst of flavor. Fresh thyme, oregano, or marjoram are ideal garnishes, as they add an aromatic element that complements the richness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a filling and satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to round out the meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta, while crusty bread can be used to soak up any leftover sauce. For a more indulgent side, you might pair this dish with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with a light white wine or even a crisp sparkling water to refresh the palate between bites.

Nutritional Profile

This dish provides a hearty and balanced meal, offering 946 calories per serving. With 48 grams of protein, it provides a substantial amount of the building blocks your body needs for muscle repair and growth. The 55 grams of fat come from the olive oil, heavy cream, and bacon, offering both healthy fats and richness to the dish. The dish also provides 70 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling meal that’s perfect for an energy boost.

While the high fat and calorie content may not make this a dish for every day, it offers a well-rounded meal with 5 grams of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, and essential vitamins like vitamin A and C. The calcium from the Parmesan cheese and the potassium from the corn further enhance the nutritional profile, providing a variety of beneficial nutrients in each bite.

Customization Options

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to fit your dietary preferences. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative in place of heavy cream. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can use turkey bacon or skip the bacon altogether, adding grilled chicken or vegetables for extra flavor.

You can also experiment with different types of pasta. While this recipe calls for traditional pasta, you could use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option. For those who prefer a spicier kick, adding a bit more chili powder or red pepper flakes to the sauce will give the dish an extra layer of heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the richness of creamy pasta, the smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of corn, and the tender chicken all in one pot. It’s a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight, as it can be made in just 30 minutes, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether using fresh summer corn or frozen kernels, this dish offers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors makes it a standout dish that will have you coming back for more.