Name: Chicken and Corn Pasta with Turkey Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 chicken breasts (1 lb), diced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional); 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; 8 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, or similar); Optional: fresh parsley or basil, red pepper flakes

There’s something truly magical about comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes, especially when it’s loaded with flavor and textures you can’t resist. This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Turkey Bacon is exactly that kind of dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with everything we love: tender chicken, bursts of sweet corn, smoky turkey bacon, and pasta coated in a velvety cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or whipping up something special for family dinner, this pasta will not disappoint.

I remember the first time I made a version of this dish—it was a summer evening, and I had a surplus of fresh corn from the farmer’s market. I didn’t want to make another salad, so I turned to pasta, as I often do. What started as a spontaneous throw-together dinner quickly became a repeat favorite. The contrast between the sweet corn and salty turkey bacon was unexpectedly perfect, and when paired with a creamy sauce, it became the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time.

What makes this recipe especially lovable is how flexible it is. You can use canned or frozen corn in the winter months, switch up the pasta based on what’s in your pantry, and even add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes if you’re in the mood to get a few more greens in. It’s one of those meals that’s easy enough to make anytime, but feels like something you’d order at your favorite cozy restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Corn Pasta dish is one of those go-to recipes that hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, sweet, and hearty. Let’s break down exactly why it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation:

Quick and easy: This entire meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, which is perfect for nights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and satisfying.
Simple ingredients: Everything in this recipe is easy to find and likely already in your pantry or fridge. Corn, pasta, chicken, cream—nothing fancy, but the result is incredible.
Balanced flavors: The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream and the saltiness of the turkey bacon. Add in the garlic and a sprinkle of cheese, and it’s flavor heaven.
Family-friendly: Kids love this dish because it’s creamy and comforting, and adults appreciate the layers of flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Whether you want to make it lighter, add a spicy kick, or toss in extra veggies, this recipe can flex to fit your taste and what you have on hand.

Plus, this pasta has that rare ability to taste indulgent without being overly heavy. You’ll feel full and satisfied, but not weighed down, which makes it a winner all year long.

Health Benefits

While this Chicken and Corn Pasta definitely leans into comfort food territory, there are plenty of nutritional benefits tucked inside:

Lean protein: Chicken breast provides a solid source of protein without a lot of fat, making it a smart base for the dish.
Corn: Packed with fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, corn contributes to eye health and digestion.
Turkey bacon: A leaner alternative to pork bacon, turkey bacon still delivers flavor with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
Calcium-rich cream and cheese: While indulgent, these ingredients offer bone-strengthening calcium and can be enjoyed in moderation.
Optional vegetables: If you add spinach or cherry tomatoes, you’ll get extra vitamins and fiber, boosting the overall health value of the meal.

As always, portion control and balance are key. This pasta is comforting and delicious, and when paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables, it fits beautifully into a well-rounded meal plan.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 520
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 4g

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy dream of a dish to life:

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken and building flavor
2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces – lean and tender protein
1 teaspoon salt – for seasoning the chicken
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds mild spice
1 teaspoon garlic powder – for an extra layer of savory flavor
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – adds warmth and a touch of smokiness
4 slices turkey bacon, chopped – crispy and flavorful without the heaviness of pork bacon
1 cup corn kernels – fresh, canned, or frozen all work well
2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth
1 cup heavy cream – the base of the luscious sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds nutty richness and thickens the sauce
8 oz penne or bowtie pasta – any short pasta shape will do
Fresh parsley or basil (optional) – for garnish and a pop of freshness
Red pepper flakes (optional) – if you want a subtle kick

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Sauté the turkey bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan.
Cook the chicken
In the same skillet, add olive oil and bring it to medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the turkey bacon.
Sauté the garlic and corn
Lower the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and corn to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the corn is lightly caramelized.
Make the cream sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, followed by the chicken and turkey bacon. Toss everything to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, cozy bite.

How to Serve

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it a few different ways to complete your meal:

With a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette
Alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers
With warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to scoop up the sauce
Topped with a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for good measure

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your dinner, here are a few pairing ideas:

Beverages: Serve with a chilled sparkling lemonade or mint-infused iced tea for a refreshing contrast
Sides: Garlic green beans, sautéed spinach, or a cucumber-tomato salad pair beautifully
For kids: Serve with buttered noodles and omit the red pepper flakes for a mild version

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

This pasta stores well and can easily be enjoyed later:

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the cream sauce may separate slightly when frozen, you can still freeze the dish. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Stir gently and heat until warmed through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken so it stays juicy. Sear just until golden and cooked through.
Skipping the pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Using low-fat cream: For the richest, smoothest sauce, stick with full-fat cream.
Adding cheese too quickly: Let the cream warm up before stirring in the Parmesan to prevent clumping.
Forgetting to season: Taste and adjust your salt and pepper throughout the process to ensure well-balanced flavor.

Pro Tips

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are a few pro-level ideas:

Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version of the dish
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness and contrast
Try smoked cheese like gouda for a deeper, smokier flavor
Use a blend of corn and peas for a slight twist on the texture
Swap the cream for a mix of cream and cream cheese for an extra velvety finish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes! Just make sure to drain it well before using.

What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, bowtie, or fusilli is ideal because it holds onto the sauce well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your turkey bacon and cheese are gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Just store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

What if I don’t have turkey bacon?
You can use beef bacon or skip it altogether and add more seasoning or a smoked cheese for depth.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Just note the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle reheat with added cream helps.

Is this spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

How can I add vegetables?
Toss in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger pan to make sure everything fits and heats evenly.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta with Turkey Bacon is everything we love in a weeknight meal: quick, easy, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little special but doesn’t take a ton of effort, which is a dinner win in my book. Whether you’re using fresh summer corn or making it cozy in the cooler months with frozen kernels, this pasta will find a place in your regular rotation.

I hope you give this one a try soon! If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below, or tag me on social media with a photo of your creation. Your kitchen adventures make my day!