Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe

This Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera is everything you crave in a weeknight dinner—ultra-satisfying, deliciously creamy, with smoky chicken, bacon, and pops of sweet corn nestled amongst tender farfalle. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, gorgeous on the plate, and gloriously simple to make any night of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera lies in easy-to-find ingredients that pack big flavor and texture. Each plays a role, from smoky chicken and sunny corn to nutty cheese and fresh herbs that finish it all off beautifully.

• Farfalle (Bow-tie) Pasta: These whimsical little pasta shapes catch the sauce and bits of corn in every bite, making each forkful extra satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parm melts into the cream for a luxuriously silky, savory sauce. Try to avoid the pre-grated stuff for the best results!
• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken gets extra juicy and flavorful with a generous seasoning of smoked paprika and Italian herbs.
• Smoked Paprika & Italian Seasoning: These pantry powerhouses add depth, color, a hint of earthiness, and a lovely smoky kick to both the chicken and corn.
• Corn Kernels (Fresh or Cooked): Pops of sweetness and color—fresh corn cut from the cob is unbeatable, but frozen or canned work in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream: The base of your luxuriant sauce, lending beautiful body and richness to the pasta.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon bits crown the dish and sneak their flavor into every layer.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram): Tossed on top for an aromatic, garden-fresh finish. They brighten the whole bowl!
• Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: These essentials round out your seasoning and help everything cook to golden perfection.
• Chili Powder (for the corn): A gentle heat that sets off the sweetness and creaminess just right.

Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re catering to special diets or just clearing out the veggie drawer, there’s a variation here for everyone.

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a garden-fresh, meatless version.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in asparagus tips, peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a colorful primavera twist and an extra hit of nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Up the chili powder, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or finish with a drizzle of hot honey for a little extra kick.
• Swap the Protein: Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or try shrimp for a quick, elevated seafood version of this pasta primavera recipe.
• Lighter Cream: Substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter—but still dreamy—sauce.

How to Make Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, just as you would for any good pasta night. Add your farfalle and cook according to package directions, usually about 10–12 minutes. Drain well and set aside—but don’t forget to keep an eye on the rest of the recipe while your pasta gets perfectly al dente!

Step 2: Warm Up and Shred the Parmesan

While the pasta bubbles away, shred your Parmesan cheese and set it in a heat-safe bowl near the stove. This helps it come to just the right temperature: slightly warm, which ensures it melts smoothly into your luscious sauce and avoids clumping later on.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice your chicken thighs (or breasts) into even strips for quick, uniform cooking. Generously season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and plenty of freshly ground pepper. Heat up your largest, heaviest skillet with olive oil and cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside—the aromas will be irresistible!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Corn Sauce

To the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add a splash more olive oil, then your cooked corn, another pinch of salt and pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes, letting all those chicken-skillet juices mingle with the corn. Remove half of the corn to a plate—that’s your topping later for a burst of color and texture.

Step 5: Make It Ultra Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and let it come up to a gentle simmer with the corn still in the skillet. Add the warmed Parmesan and stir patiently over low heat until it’s melted into a glossy, creamy sauce. This step makes the Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera absolutely crave-worthy!

Step 6: Assemble and Finish

Now it all comes together! Add your drained farfalle to the sauce, followed by the juicy cooked chicken. Sprinkle in crispy bacon and that reserved half of sweet corn for extra texture. Give everything a gentle toss, then finish with a flourish of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram just before serving. Dinner is done and it’s spectacular!

How to Serve Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera quite like a shower of extra Parmesan and a scattering of fresh herbs. Try snipping fresh thyme or oregano right over the top for a burst of flavor and fragrance. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and a grind of fresh black pepper make it irresistible and picture-perfect!

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a pile of roasted green veggies—broccolini, green beans, or asparagus are especially lovely. And don’t forget a good crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

This dish looks even more inviting served family style in a big, shallow bowl, with all the garnishes piled on top. Or go restaurant-chic and plate individual servings, finishing with an extra swirl of cream, a nest of herbs, or a dramatic bacon “crunch” for flair. For a casual gathering, tuck the pasta into small ramekins for a fun, hands-on vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating brings it right back to creamy life.

Freezing

While cream-based pastas can be tricky to freeze (they sometimes separate when thawed), this dish actually does surprisingly well if you cool it quickly and seal it tightly. For best texture, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream and stirring gently until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and use short, 30-second bursts, stirring between each to keep the sauce creamy and the pasta tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’re going to fall in love with this Creamy Corn and Chicken Pasta Primavera. It’s colorful, cozy, and packs so much flavor into every bite. Gather the ingredients and treat yourself or your loved ones to something truly special tonight—you deserve it!

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