Description
Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and rich flavors that delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 6 slices bacon strips
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup canned or fresh corn kernels
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon and Chicken: Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan. Add the diced chicken to the same pan and sauté until golden and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics and Corn: Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the corn kernels and sauté until warmed through and slightly caramelized.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream or cream cheese until smooth and heated. Add Parmesan cheese and mix well. Loosen sauce with reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Finish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Cook bacon in batches to achieve extra crispiness.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for optimal flavor and melting.
- Fresh corn kernels provide juicier and sweeter bites than canned or frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg