If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both hearty and indulgent, this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture tender pieces of chicken mingling with sweet bursts of corn, all enveloped in a luscious, velvety cream sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta shape. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that come together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistibly creamy texture you’ll love. From the sweetness of the corn to the richness of Parmesan, here’s exactly what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Adds savory protein that makes the dish satisfying and filling.
- Pasta (your choice of shape): Serves as the base, soaking up all the creamy goodness; choose what you love most.
- Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Brings subtle sweetness and a delightful pop of texture.
- Onion (diced): Provides a savory depth and slight sweetness when softened.
- Garlic (minced, 2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The star that makes this dish irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Enhances flavor and helps thin the cream for the perfect sauce consistency.
- Parmesan cheese (grated, 1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing onions and garlic, adding a subtle decadent base.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or thyme): Brighten the dish visually and elevate the flavor profile.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up that creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a spacious skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. This usually takes about 4 minutes and is key for developing the sauce’s savory base.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn
Now stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant, making sure not to brown it. Follow this with the corn—whether it’s fresh, thawed from frozen, or canned—letting it warm through and become tender for that sweet crunch.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a rich, silky texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Stir the shredded or diced cooked chicken into the sauce, warming it through evenly. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so every bite gets coated in that luscious creamy mixture.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it fully melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and cheesy finish. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting until it’s just right for your palate.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is now ready to delight at the table. Garnish with fresh herbs if you have them on hand for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds an inviting burst of green and a subtle layer of flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly. You could also add a little extra Parmesan on top for those cheese lovers out there.
Side Dishes
Pair this comforting pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette also makes a fantastic accompaniment for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, homey feel or scoop it into large brightly colored serving dishes to showcase the vibrant yellows and creams. You could even add roasted cherry tomatoes on top or a drizzle of chili oil for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal or quick lunch option.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Store it in a freezer-safe container, but keep in mind the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, so stir well when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce if it looks too thick or has separated. Microwave reheating on medium power in short bursts also works well to keep the texture smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is versatile enough to work with pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle—whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies for fullness. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
Light cream or half-and-half can work, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich or thick. You might need to reduce it a bit longer to achieve the desired creaminess.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?
Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly before adding the chicken and pasta. Also, be sure to drain the pasta well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What fresh herbs pair best with this dish?
Parsley and thyme are classics that brighten and complement the cream sauce wonderfully, but basil or chives also add a nice fresh flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is a total winner for any occasion when you crave something cozy, flavorful, and super satisfying. It hits that sweet spot between quick and indulgent, making it an easy favorite to have on rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable meal!
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: American
Description
This creamy chicken and corn pasta dish combines tender cooked chicken, sweet corn, and a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and corn: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the corn and cook briefly to combine flavors. If frozen corn is used, ensure it is thawed beforehand.
- Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken, then add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, fusilli, or farfalle work particularly well.
- Frozen corn should be thawed before adding to the skillet for the best texture.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
