If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and luscious creamy sauce clinging perfectly to your favorite pasta. This recipe is incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and packed with flavors that will make any mealtime special without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the delicious balance of this dish. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes the Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- Cooked chicken: Choose shredded or diced to help the sauce cling beautifully while adding hearty protein.
- Pasta: Pick your favorite shape; it carries the creamy sauce and ingredients flawlessly.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned all work great, bringing a subtle sweetness and pop of color.
- Onion (diced): Adds a mellow sweetness and depth when sautéed to softness.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory note that wakes up your senses.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that silk-smooth, rich texture in the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the cream just enough to keep the sauce perfectly balanced.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce adding an irresistible umami kick.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing, bringing richness and helping to soften the aromatics.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out all the flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme give a fresh, bright finish to this comforting dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot to infuse flavor right from the start. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook exactly as the package suggests until al dente. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the cooking water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside and prepare for the delicious sauce steps ahead.
Step 2: Sauté Onions for a Flavorful Base
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. This step is crucial because the softened onions release sweetness that will build a wonderful base for your sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for a quick minute until fragrant but not browned. Then, add your corn—whether fresh, thawed frozen, or drained canned—and stir to combine. Let the corn warm through, contributing its natural sweetness and tender crunch to the mix.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is where your creamy, dreamy sauce develops perfectly rich texture and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the luscious sauce. Then fold in the drained pasta, tossing everything together so the sauce evenly coats each piece. This step is like the grand uniting moment where all the wonderful flavors come together.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until the dish sings with flavor. This finishing touch makes all the difference to ensure a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once everything is blended beautifully, your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Garnish with fresh herbs if you like to add a burst of color and freshness, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme are fantastic garnishes, adding pops of green and a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of chili flakes can lift the dish and make it even more enticing.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce, making your meal feel complete and utterly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual oven-safe bowls topped with extra cheese and broiled for a minute until bubbly and golden. You could also toss in some roasted veggies or swap the pasta shapes to create different textures and presentations that still showcase your favorite Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the sauce is creamy, it may thicken up in the fridge, but a little gentle reheating with a splash of broth or cream will bring it back to life perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Freeze in meal-sized containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stovetop with a splash of broth to regain creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming to loosen the sauce and retain that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, offering a juicier, more flavorful result. Just cook and shred or dice them before adding to the sauce.
What pasta shape works best with this recipe?
Most pasta shapes are great, but those that hold sauce well like penne, fusilli, or farfalle really shine. Feel free to use what you have on hand for a customized touch.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Is it better to use fresh, frozen, or canned corn?
All three options work! Fresh corn adds the best texture, frozen corn is convenient and retains flavor well, and canned corn works in a pinch—just be sure to drain it well to avoid extra liquid.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any night when you crave something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a comforting experience that feels like home in every bite. I cannot wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy chicken and corn pasta dish featuring tender cooked chicken, sweet corn, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – 2 cups
Pasta and Vegetables
- Pasta (your choice of shape) – 12 oz
- Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) – 1 cup
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fats and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 12 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes, which helps build the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add garlic and corn: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the corn (if using frozen, ensure it’s thawed) and cook for another 2 minutes to incorporate its sweetness and texture.
- Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine with chicken and pasta: Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken to heat through. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta in the flavorful creamy sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Frozen corn should be thawed before adding to ensure even cooking.
- Fresh herbs add a nice bright flavor but are optional.
- This recipe works well with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
