Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta: Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a delicious cream sauce with warm spices and sweet corn for a one-dish meal your family will love. It’s a perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 chicken breasts chopped into chunks
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 10 oz bow tie pasta or pasta of your choice
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- parsley optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions using the al dente cooking time. Drain, but reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook bacon then place slices on a paper towel lined plate.
- Season uncooked chicken chunks with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Then, place into the skillet, turning every 2-3 minutes until the chicken is seared on all sides and thoroughly cooked and tender. Put the cooked chicken on a plate and set aside.
- In the same large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the frozen corn. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. If you like heat, you can add chili powder and red pepper flakes at this time. Cook over low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove about half of the corn and place on a plate.
- Add heavy cream to the pan with the remaining corn and bring to a low boil.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted into the cream sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and the seasoned chicken. Stir together until they are all bathed in the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water at this time.
- Allow the whole dish to simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Top with the crumbled smoky bacon and reserved corn kernels. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley to the top for serving.
Notes
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish is all about making it your own. Here are some ways you can change it up a bit.- Use fresh spinach or a cup of frozen peas instead of corn to give a vibrant pop of color and a nutritious twist.
- If you love spicy foods, the addition of red pepper flakes or extra chili powder will up the heat level of this dish.
- Top the whole dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, diced fresh tomatoes, or maybe even a sprinkle of fresh herbs, turning it into a feast for the eyes and the palate.
- Start with rotisserie chicken and microwave bacon to make this easy meal even quicker to prepare.
- Serve this comforting delight with a side of crisp green beans or a refreshing side salad, balancing out the richness beautifully.
- Now, concerning pasta, the possibilities are as endless as they are delicious. Whether you opt for the heft of penne pasta, the scooping capabilities of pasta shells, or the delicate twirl of long noodles like angel hair, each brings its unique texture and flair to the table.
Nutrition
Calories: 462kcalCarbohydrates: 25.4gProtein: 33.1gFat: 25.8gSaturated Fat: 12.1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 963mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 2.3gCalcium: 181mgIron: 3mg
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