Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, smoky bacon, and creamy sauce, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this irresistible pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
1. Introduction to Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn kernels, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken
Pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Bacon
Cream Sauce Ingredients (butter, garlic, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cooking the chicken and bacon until they’re cooked through and crispy, respectively. While the protein is cooking, boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If using canned or frozen corn, drain and set aside.
4. Making the Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth and thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
5. Assembling the Dish
Once the chicken, bacon, pasta, corn, and cream sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large skillet or pot, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crispy bacon, and corn kernels. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic bread for a complete meal.
7. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos for a kick of heat.
8. Tips for Success
To ensure that your creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Crisp up the bacon in a skillet before adding it to the pasta for maximum flavor and texture.
- Keep the cream sauce warm until ready to serve to prevent it from separating or becoming too thick.
9. Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
While creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon is undeniably indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Chicken is a good source of protein, while corn adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish. Plus, the creamy sauce provides calcium and other essential nutrients.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this irresistible pasta dish is sure to impress.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
- How can I make this dish healthier?
- Can I make the cream sauce ahead of time?
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Source: juliasalbum.com
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe
Creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, smoky bacon, and creamy sauce, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. In this article, we'll walk you through how to make this irresistible pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Pasta and cheese
- 10 oz farfalle bow-tie pasta
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups corn kernels cooked (4 corn ears – corn on the cob)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Other ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 strips bacon cooked
- fresh herbs thyme (oregano, or marjoram (for garnish))
Cook pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions (usually about 10 or 12 minutes). Drain when the pasta is done.
- Proceed with the rest of the recipe while you wait for the water to boil and the pasta to cook.
- Shred cheese
- Shred ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. If using pre-shredded cheese, take it out of the fridge. This step is important because the shredded cheese has to be a bit warmed up to melt successfully in the sauce. What I do is place shredded cheese into a heatproof bowl close to the stove so that it warms up from the heat.
- Cook chicken
- Slice chicken thighs into thinner strips. Generously season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chicken. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 4 or 5 minutes per side until completely cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Make creamy corn sauce
- To the same, now empty, skillet, add cooked corn kernels, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Stir and cook in chicken juices on low heat for about 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove half of the corn kernels to a plate.
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet with the remaining half of corn kernels. Bring to a gentle boil (simmer).
- Add ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir on low heat until the cheese melts.
- Assembly
- Add cooked and drained pasta to the sauce.
- Add cooked chicken.
- Top with chopped cooked bacon and the remaining half of the corn kernels.
- Top with fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram).