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Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon – Rich, Comforting & Packed with Summer Sweetness

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is what comfort food dreams are made of—hearty, creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet from fresh or frozen corn. Juicy chicken, crisp bacon, and al dente pasta are folded into a silky, garlic-parmesan cream sauce, creating a dish that’s cozy enough for cool nights but fresh enough for warmer months. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor with minimal fuss. It’s one-pan friendly, easy to customize, and reheats beautifully—ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining. Craving more easy pasta dishes that balance indulgence with real ingredients? Explore our comfort food collection at recipeservice.net for more creamy, dreamy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥓 Protein
  • 4 strips bacon chopped
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
🍝 Pasta & Grains
  • 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best
🌽 Produce
  • 1½ cups corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup green onions or chives finely chopped (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
🧂 Spices
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
🧈 Dairy
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk or use more cream for extra richness
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Method
 

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
  3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🥓 Step 2: Cook the Bacon
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel.
  3. Leave 1–2 tbsp of the bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.
🍗 Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  1. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Add to the skillet and sauté over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
  3. Transfer chicken to the plate with the bacon.
🧄 Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Stir in:
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. ½ cup milk
  6. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.
  7. Stir in parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
🌽 Step 5: Add Corn, Chicken & Bacon
  1. Stir in corn kernels and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
  2. Return the chicken and bacon to the pan.
  3. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
  4. Use reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen sauce if needed.
🍽 Step 6: Finish and Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley.
  3. Serve warm with extra parmesan and crusty bread, if desired.

Notes

🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted veggies.
Pair with garlic bread or crusty baguette.
Add a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
🧑‍🍳 Variations
Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp cayenne or hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF pasta and check labels on bacon/cheese.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, but it can be done. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate the sauce.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded cooked chicken in place of raw chicken during the sauce step.
2. Can I make it without bacon?
Yes. You can substitute pancetta or omit entirely and use a tablespoon of olive oil for the pan.
3. What type of corn is best?
Fresh off the cob in summer is ideal, but canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) work well too.
4. Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, just expect a slightly lighter sauce.
5. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works great to hold the sauce.
6. Is this good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully with a splash of liquid.
7. How do I make it more cheesy?
Add an extra ¼ cup of parmesan or mix in shredded mozzarella or fontina.
8. Can I add lemon?
Yes! A splash of lemon juice or zest can brighten the dish.
9. Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy (unless you add heat).
10. Can I make it in one pot?
Yes! Cook the bacon and chicken first, then remove and build the sauce in the same pot. Add cooked pasta last.
📝 Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon combines all the best comfort food elements—smoky bacon, juicy chicken, sweet corn, and velvety cream sauce. It’s satisfying, craveable, and weeknight-approved. Whether you're using summer corn or pantry staples, this recipe adapts to the season and always delivers rich, bold flavor.
For more one-pot meals and creamy pasta favorites, explore our collection at recipeservice.net and transform dinner into the best part of your day.