If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine with a dish that practically bursts with summery flavor and indulgent comfort, you’ll fall hard for Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. This pasta pulls together golden sauteed chicken, smoky bacon, sweet bursts of corn, and a silken Parmesan cream sauce—all wrapped up in perfectly cooked farfalle. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes impressive, but is straightforward enough for any home cook and always disappears fast at the table.

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real magic of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon comes from just a handful of kitchen staples you likely already have. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building big flavor, creating a luscious texture, or adding a vibrant pop of color that makes the dish as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Farfalle (bow-tie pasta) – Holds the hearty sauce in its creases and creates a fun, visually appealing base for the dish.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth that transforms the cream into a velvety sauce and gives a boost of umami.
Chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless) – The star protein, juicy and tender, especially with the right seasoning.
Smoked paprika – Offers a mellow smokiness that pairs beautifully with both the chicken and bacon.
Italian seasoning – Brings in herbal notes that meld with the rich creaminess.
Salt – Enhances every other flavor and ensures nothing falls flat.
Freshly ground black pepper – Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
Olive oil – Keeps everything from sticking and imparts a subtle fruitiness.
Corn kernels (cooked, from 4 cobs) – Provide sweet pops of flavor and cheerful color in every bite.
Chili powder – Delivers gentle heat and smoky undertones to the corn sauce.
Heavy cream – The backbone of the sauce—ultra silky and utterly satisfying.
Bacon (cooked) – Crispy, salty, and smoky, bacon takes this pasta over the top.
Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram) – For a bright, fragrant finish that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a rolling boil and get your farfalle in there. Cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta once it’s perfectly al dente. This is a great time to multitask and move ahead with the next steps, so don’t worry about waiting around for water to boil!

Step 2: Shred the Parmesan Cheese

While the pasta gets cozy in the water, grab your Parmesan and grate about half a cup. Freshly shredded cheese melts much more smoothly, giving the sauce its velvety character. If you’re using pre-shredded cheese, put it in a heatproof bowl near the stove, so it softens a little from the ambient heat—this simple trick helps it melt effortlessly into the creamy base later.

Step 3: Cook and Season the Chicken

Slice your chicken thighs (or breasts) into thin strips, then season them generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with two tablespoons of olive oil, and lay your chicken in a single layer. Cook over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, letting them develop a golden, flavorful crust and cook through completely. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Corn Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those tasty browned bits), toss in your cooked corn kernels with another tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir everything together and let it sizzle on low for about 3 minutes. This step infuses the corn with all those gorgeous, savory flavors from the pan.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Scoop out half of your sauteed corn and reserve it for topping later. To the skillet, pour in a cup of heavy cream over the remaining corn, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add your shredded Parmesan, stirring until it melts into a smooth and rich sauce that clings to the corn. The result should already smell wildly tempting!

Step 6: Assemble the Pasta

At this point, it all comes together: stir in the drained farfalle so every bow-tie is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, tucking it in among the pasta. Sprinkle the chopped, crispy bacon over the top, along with the reserved corn for an extra layer of sweetness and visual pop.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish things off with a generous shower of freshly chopped herbs—thyme, oregano, or marjoram all work beautifully. Their brightness lifts the rich sauce and gives Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon a wonderfully aromatic finish that’s ready to impress.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

Garnishes

Set this dish off with a bit of extra flair: a scattering of fresh herbs, a few curls of Parmesan, and maybe even an extra crack of black pepper right before serving. These finishing touches add just the right burst of freshness and color to the creamy, golden pasta beneath.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides—think a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or simple roasted green beans. Crusty bread is always a welcome addition for sopping up any leftover sauce, making every last bite count.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, try serving this pasta in shallow bowls nestled with extra bacon and corn on top, or present family-style on a big platter with herbs scattered like confetti. If you’re hosting, you can even fill parmesan cheese bowls for a dramatic and delicious twist—it’s a surefire way to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, so it can be even better the next day—just add a drizzle of cream or splash of milk when reheating if the sauce thickens up.

Freezing

Thanks to the creamy sauce, this dish isn’t a natural freezer superstar, as dairy can sometimes split when reheated. However, if you must freeze it, portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers and enjoy within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently warming so the texture stays as smooth as possible.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little extra cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each to make sure it heats evenly and stays indulgent.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh corn offers that irresistibly juicy sweetness, both frozen and canned corn work perfectly in Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon. Just drain and pat the corn dry if using canned, and sauté as directed to build plenty of flavor.

Is there a good substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, try half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and a tablespoon of butter. The sauce might be a touch less rich, but will still coat the pasta and taste fantastic.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken, bacon, and corn ahead and store them separately, then quickly assemble and finish the pasta just before serving. This keeps everything tasting fresh and the sauce extra silky.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce smooth?

Let the Parmesan warm up to room temperature before stirring it into the hot cream and corn mixture. Adding the cheese slowly and stirring constantly prevents clumping and ensures a beautifully smooth result.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! While farfalle is wonderfully suited to Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well and makes you happy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table to dig into a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon—especially when you know it’s so simple to make and utterly loaded with flavor. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own; it’s sure to become a new comfort classic in your kitchen!