Description
Enjoy this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon! A comforting dish that blends savory chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in a creamy sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
- Cook the Corn and Garlic:
- Add the corn and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the corn is slightly charred and the garlic is fragrant.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the corn and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Additional Tips and Notes
- Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Crisping the Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, cook it over medium heat and drain the excess fat on paper towels before adding it to the pasta. This ensures the bacon stays crispy even after mixing with the sauce.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the dish and balance the richness.