Cozy Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry families.

This creamy chicken and corn pasta recipe delivers comfort in every single bite.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with sweet corn kernels, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each pasta strand, promising a meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese add depth and brightness to the dish.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together in just one pan.

Savor each forkful of this hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Feels Cozy

• Play with spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika and chili powder, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through while keeping the core recipe intact.
• Transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with rich, creamy textures and layered smoky flavors that make every bite feel special and indulgent.
• Easily adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or spontaneous meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish in multiple scenarios.

Chicken and Corn Pasta Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Farfalle Pasta: A bow-tie shaped pasta that provides a delightful texture and catches the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious base for the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• Corn Kernels: Provides sweetness and a delightful pop of texture to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps in cooking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.

• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Adds complex layers of flavor and depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Chili Powder: Introduces a subtle heat and warmth to the overall dish.

• Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram: Fresh herbs that brighten the flavors and add a fragrant touch to the final presentation.

Cooking Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta in Salty Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Drop in the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.

Drain the pasta and set aside, ensuring it retains a slight firmness.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken with Flavor Explosion

Slice chicken into thin, even strips.

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spices into the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the pan.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Awaken the Corn’s Flavor

Using the same skillet, add corn kernels with a splash of olive oil.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder

Sauté for 3 minutes, allowing the corn to develop a deep, smoky flavor.

Step 5: Split the Corn Strategically

Remove half the corn kernels and set aside on a separate plate.

This will create a delightful texture contrast in the final dish.

Step 6: Craft the Velvety Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with remaining corn.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Watch as the cream begins to absorb the rich, spicy corn flavors.

Step 7: Incorporate Parmesan Magic

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream.

Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Marry Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce.

Gently toss to combine.

Step 9: Reunite Chicken with Pasta

Slide the cooked chicken strips back into the skillet.

Stir to warm through and distribute evenly throughout the creamy pasta.

Step 10: Final Corn Flourish

Scatter the reserved corn kernels over the top of the dish, adding a delightful crunch and burst of color.

Step 11: Herb It Up

• Thyme
• Oregano
• Marjoram

These herbs will add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Step 12: Serve and Devour

Transfer to serving plates immediately while piping hot.

Get ready to dive into a creamy, flavor-packed culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips for Smoother Chicken Corn Pasta

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness, which can ruin the overall dish's consistency.
• Let chicken rest in spices for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow seasonings to deeply penetrate and enhance the meat's taste.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency by simmering longer for a thicker result or adding a splash of pasta water to thin it out if needed.
• Separating corn kernels creates delightful textural contrast, with some kernels soft in the sauce and others providing a crisp bite on top.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts, ensuring a more succulent final dish.

Storage and Reheating for Chicken Pasta

• Store the pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously for 4-5 minutes until heated evenly. This method helps maintain original creamy texture and prevents sauce separation.

What Pairs Nicely with Corn Chicken Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy sauce's richness, offering a refreshing contrast that elevates the dish's smoky and spicy notes.
• Create Herb-Infused Bread Salad: Toss fresh arugula, basil, and parsley with toasted bread cubes as a side dish. The crisp, zesty greens balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a light, vibrant accompaniment.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes seasoned with olive oil and herbs. These caramelized vegetables complement the chicken's smoky paprika flavors and add nutritional depth to the meal.
• Select Bold Red Wine Alternative: For red wine lovers, choose a light Pinot Noir with subtle fruit undertones. Its soft tannins and bright acidity will harmonize beautifully with the dish's complex flavor profile.

Twist Options for Chicken and Corn Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace farfalle with gluten-free corn or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same cooking method and texture.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk cream, using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the rich, creamy flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or roasted chickpeas, marinating them in the same spice blend to create a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's creamy, flavorful profile.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spiciness from smoked paprika and chili powder. You can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing these spices according to your preference.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses farfalle (bow tie pasta), you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli that hold sauce well.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a cream alternative.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, this creamy chicken and corn pasta reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory creamy chicken and corn pasta brings comfort straight from kitchen to plate. Pasta lovers will relish this simple yet satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and rich sauce for a delightful dinner experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)

Pasta and Dairy:

• 10 oz (283 grams) farfalle bow tie pasta
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn kernels cooked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh herbs thyme, oregano, or marjoram (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Add farfalle pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring pasta maintains a slight firmness.
2. Grate Parmesan cheese and let it rest at room temperature to facilitate smooth melting later.
3. Slice chicken into thin, uniform strips. Generously season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Transfer to a separate plate.
5. In the same skillet, sauté corn kernels with additional olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder over low heat for 3 minutes, developing a smoky and spicy flavor profile.
6. Separate half the corn kernels onto a plate, reserving for final garnish to provide textural contrast.
7. Pour heavy cream into the skillet with remaining corn. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, allowing cream to absorb the spicy corn flavors.
8. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, stirring over low heat until completely melted and incorporated into a smooth, velvety consistency.
9. Introduce drained pasta to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the creamy sauce to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
10. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently mixing with pasta and sauce to reheat and distribute evenly.
11. Scatter reserved corn kernels over the pasta, adding a vibrant crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
12. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. Serve immediately while hot, celebrating the harmonious blend of creamy, smoky, and savory elements.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result that stays juicy throughout cooking.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to create a lighter, healthier version of the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• Toast the corn kernels slightly before adding to the skillet to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free alternative, swap farfalle pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make the dish low-carb and suitable for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg