Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon! It’s like a hug in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon makes for a flavor explosion that I just can’t resist. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, which is a total lifesaver on busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I mean, who doesn’t love creamy pasta with that smoky touch from the bacon? Each bite is so satisfying, and you can even customize it with your favorite pasta shape! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta – You can use any type you love, whether it’s penne, fusilli, or spaghetti!
- 150g chicken breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 100g corn – You can choose canned or frozen corn; both work beautifully!
- 100g bacon – Chopped into small pieces to get that crispy texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing everything to perfection.
- 1 onion – Diced, which adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced for that irresistible aromatic flavor.
- Salt to taste – Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.
- Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked is always best for that extra kick!
- Parmesan cheese – For serving, because who can resist that cheesy goodness?
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go, and you’ll be set for a fantastic cooking experience!
How to Prepare Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the deliciousness of cooking Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling like a hot spring, toss in your 200g pasta and cook according to the package instructions. I usually aim for al dente—just firm enough to have a little bite! This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in your chopped 100g bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy and golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid burning. The key here is medium heat—too high, and you’ll end up with burnt bacon bits instead of crispy perfection!
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your bacon is nice and crispy, it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. I love the smell of garlic cooking; it’s like a warm hug for your kitchen!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Now, it’s time to add the 150g diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. You want it to be golden and no longer pink in the center. Trust me, even cooking is key for juicy chicken!
Step 5: Add Corn and Seasoning
Next, stir in the 100g corn, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper to taste. Mix everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—every bite should make you smile!
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken mixture. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with all those delicious flavors. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up—it works wonders!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to plate up your Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon! Serve it hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add a little fresh parsley for a pop of color if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every delicious bite—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and sweet corn creates a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
- Comforting Ingredients: With familiar flavors and textures, this dish feels like a warm hug on your plate.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or even veggies for a personal touch!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a recipe that everyone will love, making it great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Tips for Success
To make your Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon absolutely perfect, here are some pro tips I’ve gathered along the way:
- Timing is Everything: Keep a close eye on your pasta and chicken while cooking. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, and chicken needs just the right amount of time to stay juicy. Aim for al dente pasta and golden-brown chicken!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to switch things up! You can use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option, or even add some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great too!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to mix in other cheeses as well—like mozzarella or cheddar—for a different flavor twist. Just make sure to melt it in at the end for that cheesy goodness!
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the onion and garlic. It adds a nice kick!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a fantastic Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon that I know you’ll love just as much as I do!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon, it’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body. Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates:
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Remember, these values can shift a bit based on ingredient choices, so feel free to adjust as needed to fit your dietary preferences. You’re going to enjoy every bite of this comforting dish, regardless of the numbers!
FAQ About Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing and cooking to ensure even cooking. Otherwise, you might end up with some pieces that are undercooked!
What type of pasta is best for Chicken Corn Pasta?
You can use any pasta you like! I often go for penne or fusilli because they hold onto the sauce so well. But feel free to use spaghetti, bowties, or whatever you have on hand. It’ll all taste delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep in advance, cook everything and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
If you want to go vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace them with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, or even some chickpeas for added protein. It’ll still be a satisfying meal!
What can I serve with Chicken Corn Pasta?
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to add a side, a simple green salad or some garlic bread would be perfect! It adds a nice contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Chicken Corn Pasta with Bacon: 7 Irresistible Comfort Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious pasta dish featuring chicken, corn, and bacon.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 150g chicken breast, diced
- 100g corn, canned or frozen
- 100g bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add corn, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Combine pasta with the chicken mixture.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Can substitute chicken with turkey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken, Corn, Pasta, Bacon