Indulge in Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Tonight!

Get ready to dive into a comforting and flavor-packed dish with our Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. This irresistible pasta creation combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and bring the whole family together around the table.

Table of Contents

The Flavors That Make This Dish Shine

The key to this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and creamy flavors. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika and Italian herbs, adding depth and warmth to the dish. The sweet corn kernels provide a delightful contrast, while the crispy bacon lends a satisfying crunch and smoky bacon essence throughout.

The real showstopper, however, is the luxurious cream sauce. Made with heavy cream and grated Parmesan, it coats the pasta in a velvety, cheesy goodness that ties all the flavors together. This dish is truly a comfort food masterpiece that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 10 oz bow-tie pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 1½ lb chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless
• 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for corn)
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for corn)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish

Cooking Preparation: Bringing the Dish Together

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s talk about some key tips to ensure your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon turns out perfectly.

When it comes to the chicken, look for skinless, boneless thighs or breasts. This will ensure the protein cooks through quickly and evenly. Be sure to season the chicken generously with the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning blend – this is where a lot of the flavor comes from.

For the corn, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned kernels. If using fresh or frozen, be sure to pat them dry before sautéing to get that beautiful toasted flavor. The smoked paprika and chili powder add a lovely warmth and complexity to the corn.

And of course, you can’t have Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon without the crispy bacon! Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp, then chop it up to sprinkle throughout the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this delectable Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken with the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until thoroughly done, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil and the corn kernels. Season with 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp chili powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly toasted and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. Remove about half the corn and set it aside.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: To the remaining corn in the skillet, add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Gently stir in the reserved corn.
6. Add Bacon and Garnish: Finally, stir in the chopped crispy bacon. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram.

Serve your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon hot and enjoy the comforting flavors that come together in every bite. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite!

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

Here are a few tips to help you take your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon to the next level:

• Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to switch up the pasta shape or use a different type of protein, such as shrimp or sausage, if you prefer. You can also swap the corn for other veggies like broccoli or zucchini.
• Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker, more velvety sauce, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese or let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken it up. For a lighter consistency, use a bit less cream.
• Bacon Perfection: To achieve the perfect bacon crispiness, be sure to cook it until it’s nice and crisp before chopping and adding it to the dish. You can even bake the bacon in the oven for extra crunch.
• Garnishing and Serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram adds a lovely aromatic touch. You can also serve the pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this delicious Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon contains approximately 650 calories, 40g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 35g of protein. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that also provides a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber thanks to the chicken, corn, and pasta.

To make the dish a bit healthier, you can use whole grain pasta, low-fat or dairy-free cream alternatives, and lean chicken breasts. This will help reduce the overall calorie and fat content while still maintaining the amazing flavors.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
• Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
• Bacon and Pea Carbonara
• Cheesy Chicken and Corn Bake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option! Simply shred or chop the rotisserie chicken and add it to the skillet after sautéing the corn and making the cream sauce. Since the chicken is already cooked, you’ll just need to heat it through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This will still yield a delicious and creamy pasta dish with less prep time.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options, such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the bacon and seasonings, are gluten-free as well. Follow the cooking instructions as usual, ensuring that the gluten-free pasta is cooked to the recommended time on the package.

What can I add to this dish to increase the vegetable content?

To boost the vegetable content in your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta, you can add a variety of vegetables. Some great options include spinach, peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté these vegetables along with the corn, adjusting the cooking times as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through but still retains some texture. This will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

How can I adjust the recipe to make it dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon, you can replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream. For the cheese, try using a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Be sure to check that the bacon you use is also free of dairy ingredients. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without compromising on taste.

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

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