Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
A delightful dish bringing together savory chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in a rich, creamy sauce that is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 10 oz farfalle bow-tie pasta
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken and corn
Corn and Sauce
- 2 cups corn kernels cooked (about 4 corn ears) can use frozen corn if desired
- 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust for desired spice level
- 1 cup heavy cream substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded set aside to warm
- 8 strips bacon, cooked for topping
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
- Shred 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and set aside to warm.
- Season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cooked corn kernels, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Stir for about 3 minutes over low heat.
- Remove half of the corn kernels, then add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, topping with chopped cooked bacon and the reserved corn kernels. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can use any type of pasta you like, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for an hour before cooking.