This creamy bacon chicken pasta is a cozy dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn. The rich sauce makes every bite feel like a warm hug!
I always love how quick this meal comes together, perfect for busy nights. Plus, who can resist that crunchy bacon? It’s like a little party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a fun shape to your dish, but you can easily swap it for any pasta like penne or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as per the package directions!
Bacon: Bacon is essential for flavor, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works great. You can also skip it for a vegetarian version, adding more mushrooms or extra veggies instead.
Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are quick and easy. You can use thighs for juiciness or even rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it and add it in at the end!
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and delicious, but frozen corn is a convenient alternative. If you prefer, you can also use canned corn—just be sure to drain it well before adding.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half and half or whole milk. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
How to Ensure the Best Creamy Sauce?
Creating that perfect creamy sauce is key to this dish! Follow these steps for a smooth and flavorful sauce:
- Use the reserved bacon fat; it adds a delicious depth to your sauce. Don’t skip this step!
- Make sure to reduce the heat before adding the cream. If it’s too hot, the cream might curdle.
- Stir the cheese in gradually. This helps it melt evenly and keep the sauce creamy.
- If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
By taking these steps, you’ll have a creamy sauce that perfectly clings to your pasta and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Sweet Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For The Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
- Fresh parsley or oregano, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce while the chicken and bacon are frying. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain it and set aside. This pasta will be the base of your delicious dish!
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest to keep your dish light.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for great flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, then increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sautéing the Corn and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and corn kernels, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the corn is tender and has a lovely golden color.
5. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to make the sauce! Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, mixing until melted and the sauce becomes nice and creamy.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and dried oregano. Toss everything together gently to combine, making sure the pasta is well-coated in that dreamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy bacon chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or oregano leaves. Enjoy every comforting bite filled with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn!
In just a short time, you have a delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Sweet Corn
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle adds a fun shape, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time according to the package instructions!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut milk or a plant-based cream. These will change the flavor slightly but still keep it creamy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. Consider adding more vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, and use a plant-based protein if you like. The creamy sauce will still be delicious!
