Description
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.
Ingredients
- 10 ounce bow-tie pasta
- 1 1/2 pound chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (for corn)
- 2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for corn)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish
Instructions
1. 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. 2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken with the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoon 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. 3. Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoon of olive oil and the corn kernels. Season with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon 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. 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. 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. 6. Add Bacon and Garnish: Finally, stir in the chopped crispy bacon. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg