Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is one of those magical meals that brings everyone to the table with a smile—especially when you’re short on time and want something seriously delicious. This dish is a flavor-packed celebration of juicy seasoned chicken, sweet corn kernels, tender pasta, and crispy bacon, all pulled together in a silky cream sauce with just the right touch of Parmesan. Whether you’re making it in the height of summer with fresh corn or relying on pantry staples, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a restaurant-worthy dinner you’ll turn to again and again!

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon serves a purpose: building texture, enriching flavor, or adding a pop of color. With just a few simple components, you’ll be amazed how easily this dish comes together to taste like a weeknight gourmet treat.

Farfalle Pasta: Bow-tie pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully and brings a playful look to the finished dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a nutty and salty depth that ties everything together.
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces cook up juicy and flavorful, soaking up the smoked paprika and Italian herbs.
Smoked Paprika: This spice lends a gentle smokiness that echoes the bacon and gives the chicken and corn extra character.
Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs provide that classic savory foundation and plenty of peppery aroma.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors in every component.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and corn, it keeps everything moist and adds subtle richness.
Corn Kernels: Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, corn brings natural sweetness and gorgeous golden color to this dish.
Chili Powder: Just a pinch for a gentle kick and another flavor note that keeps every bite interesting.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, dreamy base for your sauce—it’s what makes the pasta truly “creamy.”
Bacon: Cooked until crispy, the bacon adds irresistible texture and that smoky umami punch everyone loves.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram): Sprinkle them on top for a fresh, fragrant finishing touch and a pop of green color.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start off by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your farfalle (or pasta of choice) following the package directions until it’s just al dente. Remember, the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t overdo it. Drain well and set aside, using those precious minutes as your opportunity to multitask and prep everything else!

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Cheese

Grate your Parmesan by hand for the creamiest texture. If you’re using pre-shredded cheese, take it out of the fridge early so it softens a bit—cold cheese can clump instead of melting smoothly. You can place your bowl of grated cheese near the stove, so it gently warms up while you cook.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice your chicken thighs or breasts into thin strips for better seasoning coverage and quicker cooking. Toss them in a mix of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat a heavy skillet with olive oil until it shimmers, then cook the chicken 4-5 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest—that flavorful fond at the bottom of your skillet is gold for the next step!

Step 4: Sauté the Corn

Without cleaning the skillet (we want those tasty chicken bits), add in the cooked corn kernels, plus more olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the corn warm and soak in all those spicy, savory notes, stirring for about 3 minutes. Remove half the corn to a separate plate; it’ll become a little golden garnish for the very end.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the remaining corn, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add half a cup of that now-room-temperature shredded Parmesan, stirring on low until you have a thick, silky sauce that’s studded with corn.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, folding to coat every bow-tie in creamy goodness. Nestle in the cooked chicken and let everything heat through. Top it all off with chopped, crispy bacon and that reserved corn. Right at the end, scatter fresh thyme, oregano, or marjoram over the top for freshness and aroma. Your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is ready to wow!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped herbs—think thyme, oregano, or even a little marjoram—makes Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon look as inviting as it tastes, and a final dusting of Parmesan never goes amiss. A twist of black pepper and a few scattered bacon pieces add extra color and crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness. Try a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve it alongside garlicky sautéed greens or roasted asparagus. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of that velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon in a large, wide bowl family-style. You can also spoon it into individual ramekins, topping each with a little extra cheese and bacon for a cozy, personalized touch. For kids, let them sprinkle their own bacon and herbs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. In the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or another easy dinner in a flash!

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into individual containers so you can reheat just what you need. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating usually brings everything back together. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the original creaminess. If you’re using the microwave, do so in 45-second bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly and avoid scorching the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred or chop it, season lightly, and add it to the sauce with the pasta. You’ll save even more time on busy nights, and the flavor will still be fantastic.

What’s the best type of corn for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon?

Fresh corn on the cob delivers unbeatable sweetness and crunch in the summer, but canned or frozen corn are great substitutes year-round. Just be sure to drain canned corn well, or thaw and pat dry frozen kernels before cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream, use grilled chicken breast, and opt for turkey bacon for a lighter spin. Just note that the sauce may be a little less rich but still delicious and satisfying!

How can I make it gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—there are wonderful options made from rice, corn, or chickpeas—and double-check that your other ingredients (including spices) are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally free of gluten.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Sautéed bell peppers, baby spinach, or cherry tomatoes are all lovely additions. Just cook them with the corn for extra color, nutrition, and a touch of sweetness. Feel free to get creative based on what’s in your fridge!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new dinner favorite, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is just the thing to bring excitement to your weeknight routine and joy to your table. With so much flavor (and so little effort required), why not give it a try? I promise, you’ll want to make this crowd-pleaser again and again!

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe