Name: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz farfalle pasta; ½ cup Parmesan cheese; 1½ lb chicken (thighs or breasts); 1½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups corn kernels; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 strips bacon, cooked; Fresh herbs for garnish

Jump to Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is a rich, smoky, and comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! Juicy chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and creamy Parmesan sauce are tossed with bow-tie pasta for the ultimate family favorite dinner. 🥓🍝

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights.
Flavor-packed: Smoky bacon, corn, and Parmesan create incredible depth.
Kid-friendly: Creamy and mild, yet satisfying for adults too.
Uses simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together for a restaurant-quality meal.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta & Cheese

10 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Chicken

1½ lb chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
1½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Corn

2 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder

Other Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or marjoram), for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Cook the chickenSlice chicken into strips and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.
Make the creamy corn sauceIn the same skillet, add corn, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 3 minutes. Remove half of the corn and set aside. Add heavy cream to the remaining corn in the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Assemble the pastaAdd cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Top with remaining corn and crumbled bacon.
Garnish and serveSprinkle with fresh herbs and serve warm. Add extra Parmesan or black pepper if desired.

Chef Emma’s Tips

Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter at the end.
Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories: 946
Protein: 56g
Carbs: 68g
Fat: 50g
Sodium: 964mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g

Final Thoughts

Rich, smoky, and irresistibly creamy — this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon is pure comfort in a skillet. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy every craving!