If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and a luscious sauce, this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It effortlessly marries simple ingredients into a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, making any weeknight meal feel special. The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the juicy chicken and bursts of corn add heartiness and sweetness that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe since each one is straightforward but crucial for achieving the perfect balance of taste, creaminess, and vibrant color. Every component works together to build the dish’s irresistible character.
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice: The base that carries all the flavors beautifully, choose your favorite shape for texture preference.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides lean protein with a tender, juicy bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken to create depth in flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and body to the sauce once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that elevates the overall profile.
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen: Brings a pop of sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savoriness and moisture to the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, rich texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a slightly nutty, salty finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings mild heat and balance to the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Lifts the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the cooking water. This starchy liquid will be your secret weapon later to loosen the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully without being too thick or dry.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until each piece is coated in a golden crust and cooked through. This step locks in the juices, creating succulent morsels. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Corn
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—overcooking the garlic can make it bitter, so keep an eye on it. Next, stir in the corn kernels and cook for another 2 minutes. This combo delivers a sweet and aromatic base that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety texture that’s irresistibly rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, coating each strand or piece with that delectable creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the ideal consistency—creamy but not heavy. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top for an inviting pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley elevates the dish with a splash of vibrant green that instantly brightens the creamy pasta. For extra texture and flavor, a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving add a salty, cheesy finish everyone will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add crispness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also fantastic alongside, perfect for mopping up any extra velvety sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving this creamy chicken and corn pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley and a twist of freshly ground black pepper. Another fun idea is to portion it into small ramekins, bake briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly finish, and serve as an elegant appetizer or main course at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners the following days without sacrificing taste or texture.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta dishes can sometimes impact texture, you can freeze this recipe successfully by cooling it completely and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 2 months. When thawed, the sauce might need a bit of stirring and loosening with cream or broth to revive its lusciousness.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. If it seems thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency and enjoy it as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just as well as fresh corn in this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe. Just thaw it beforehand or add it directly to the skillet and cook a little longer to heat through.
What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta shape you love will work here, but short and sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce and bits of chicken and corn for a satisfying bite every time.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and a little flour or cornstarch to maintain creaminess without all the fat. Just keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less rich but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas stirred in toward the end of cooking add freshness and color, giving the dish an extra nutritional boost and great visual appeal.
How do I avoid the sauce separating when reheating?
To prevent sauce separation, reheat gently on low heat and stir constantly. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep its creamy texture smooth and luscious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl that you can whip up with ease any night of the week. Its simplicity, balanced flavors, and rich creaminess make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own twists—get ready to fall in love with pasta all over again!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
Description
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and a rich cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Italian-American recipe combines simple ingredients and comes together quickly on the stovetop for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Corn: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine All Components: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor and nutrition, add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last minute of cooking the corn.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to make a lighter creamy sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
