Preparing this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon got me excited! I combine tender chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet corn in a rich, velvety sauce that transforms a simple weeknight meal into something unforgettable. It is effortless and comforting, making it my top go-to dish when time is short.

Jump to Recipe

I’m excited to share my Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon recipe thats perfect for a quick family dinner. This meal takes just about 30 minutes to make and packs a solid blend of nutritional goodness and flavor.

I use 12 oz of pasta like penne or fettuccini, along with bite-size pieces of 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ensuring its packed with protein. The 4 chopped bacon strips add a smoky flavor while the 2 cups of corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) bring sweetness and vitamins.

I saute diced onion and minced garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil and then mix in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

This dish falls under many popular meal categories like Chicken Pasta and Summer Dinner. It also offers a good balance of macronutrients.

Enjoy this tasty, creamy dish thats great for busy weeknights!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the creamy sauce makes the whole dish so rich and flavorful every time I take a bite.
2. I really appreciate that it only takes around 30 minutes to make, which is perfect for busy nights when i’m short on time.
3. I like the mix of ingredients, especially the combo of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn—it just feels like a real treat.
4. I enjoy how versatile it is since i can use fresh corn in the summertime or switch to canned or frozen corn any time of the year.

Making this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon only takes about 30 minutes and its perfect for hectic family weeknights. I can use fresh corn if its summer or canned or frozen if its not, which makes it super convenient. It feels like i’m eating a restaurant quality meal at home, and honestly, its become one of my favorite go-to dinners for the whole family—even though sometimes i mess up the seasoning a bit. Enjoying it always reminds me that simple meals can taste amazing even on the busiest days.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Pasta: A simple carb that gives energy for a hearty meal.
Chicken: A lean protein helping build muscle and keep you full.
Bacon: Provides a smoky flavor but can be moderately fatty.
Corn: Adds natural sweetness and extra fibre to balance savory flavors.
Olive Oil: A heart friendly fat that boosts flavor while cooking.
Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth but not the healthiest for everyday meals.
Parmesan Cheese: Lends a sharp, umami taste along with a hint of saltiness.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccini)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

4 strips bacon, chopped

2 cups corn kernels (fresh from about 2 ears, or canned/frozen if you like)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Boil the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large pan, cook the chopped bacon on medium heat until its crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and leave some bacon fat in the pan.

3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan with a splash of olive oil. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and nearly cooked through.

4. Add the diced onion to the same pan and cook for about 2 minutes until it softens.

5. Mix in the minced garlic and corn kernels, and stir for another 2 minutes. If you are using canned or frozen corn, let it heat through.

6. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the pan, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.

8. Return the crispy bacon to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

9. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling the pasta
2. Colander to drain the pasta
3. Large skillet or pan for cooking bacon, chicken and vegetables
4. Slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan
5. Cutting board for chopping the bacon, chicken, onion and garlic
6. Chef’s knife for dicing and mincing all the veggies and meat
7. Measuring cups and spoons for the heavy cream, broth and seasonings
8. Stirring spatula or spoon to mix everything together

FAQ

What kind of pasta should I use?

Well, the recipe calls for either penne or fettuccini. Both work great so you can use whatever you have on hand. Just stick to about 12 oz for the best results.

Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option?

Yeah, you can try using half and half if you want a lighter sauce. Just note that it won't be quite as creamy so you might need to add a bit more Parmesan for richness.

What do I do if I don't have fresh corn?

No worries, using canned or frozen corn works fine too. If it's canned, make sure to drain it first, and if it's frozen, defrost it before adding to the dish.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be nicely browned and no longer pink in the middle. This usually takes around 6-8 minutes depending on the size of your pieces.

Can I add extra spices for more flavor?

Definitely, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite spice mix if you like a bit of heat. Just be cautious not to overpower the creamy sauce.

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta With Bacon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of penne or fettuccini, you can use spaghetti or rigatoni if thats what you have in your pantry.
If you dont have chicken breasts available, try chicken thighs which are a bit more flavorful and juicy.
Not a fan of bacon? Pancetta or turkey bacon works just as well and gives a similar smoky taste.
You can swap out fresh corn kernels with frozen or canned ones if its easier but even peas can bring in a new twist.
If heavy cream is hard to come by, half-and-half or full fat coconut milk can be used for a creamy texture.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you cook the bacon really well so its nice and crispy before adding it back to the pasta. If you rush it, you might end up with chewy bacon bits which ain’t the best.
2. When browning the chicken, try not to overcrowd the pan. This helps the pieces brown evenly and get that delicious crust instead of steaming the meat.
3. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cause the pre-grated stuff might not melt as smooth and could change the flavor of your sauce.
4. Save a little bit of the pasta water before draining. Adding a splash into the sauce can help it cling better to the pasta and make the dish a bit creamier.