This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn enveloped in a rich garlic smoked paprika cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For 5 Servings:
- Pasta
- 12 ounces of penne or farfalle pasta
- Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- Vegetables
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Grocery List
- Pasta (penne or farfalle)
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Bacon
- Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Smoked paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add Corn and Cream:
- Stir in the corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine everything. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish with Bacon:
- Add the crispy bacon back into the pasta mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 786 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~75g
- Fat: ~40g
Tips & Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in garlic and herbs before cooking.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor that will satisfy everyone at your table! Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this one—let’s make cooking an enjoyable adventure together! Enjoy your cooking journey!
