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Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon

creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute dinner recipe featuring smoky bacon, tender chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce that coats pasta perfectly for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) penne or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, chopped
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen or fresh corn kernels
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, a small handful chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 chopped bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave the bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Season 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add chicken to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Toss in 1 cup corn kernels and cook until warmed through and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth), ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Blend until creamy and smooth.
  7. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the corn mixture. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
  8. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, coating the pasta in the luscious sauce. Warm through for another 1-2 minutes.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook bacon first and leave the fat in the pan to flavor the chicken and veggies. Blend cottage cheese until smooth for a creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking pasta. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat with added broth or cream to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, corn pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-chicken-and-corn-pasta-with-bacon-easy-30-minute-dinner-recipe/