🥓 Comfort Food Fix: Creamy Pasta with Chicken, Corn & Smoky Bacon
A cozy, creamy pasta dish that’s as satisfying as a warm hug.
When comfort food cravings strike, this dish delivers big. Creamy pasta? Check. Smoky bacon? Yes, please. Sweet corn and juicy chicken? Absolutely. This Creamy Pasta with Chicken, Corn & Smoky Bacon is simple, quick, and deeply satisfying — a weeknight dinner winner for the whole family.
Perfectly balanced between richness and freshness, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate midweek pick-me-up.
🍝 Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (rigatoni or penne work best)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 4 strips smoked bacon, chopped
- ¾ cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated mozzarella
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
👨🍳 Directions
1. Boil the pasta:
Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Crisp the bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
3. Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet (keep a bit of the bacon fat!), add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add chicken & corn:
Toss in the cooked chicken and corn. Stir for 2–3 minutes over medium heat until heated through.
5. Make it creamy:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add the cheese:
Stir in the grated mozzarella and season with salt and pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Bring it all together:
Return the cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Garnish and serve:
Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve hot. Bonus points for a sprinkle of Parmesan or chili flakes on top!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
- Add veggies: Spinach, peas, or mushrooms make great additions.
- No cream? Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese.
🍴 Serving Size & Nutrition
- Servings: 2–3 generous portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Calories: ~580 kcal per serving (depending on pasta and cream used)
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about creamy pasta with smoky bacon — especially when corn adds that little pop of sweetness. This dish is quick, easy, and irresistibly good. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday lunch or a midweek indulgence, it hits all the right notes.
