If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe. This delightful meal combines tender chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and a luscious, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to every piece of pasta. It’s a quick yet indulgent recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting feast, perfect for any day of the week when you want something both satisfying and easy. The balance of creamy richness with the natural sweetness of corn makes this dish truly unforgettable and a favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing both flavor and texture to the dish. From the sweetness of corn to the creaminess of the sauce, each component is simple but essential to creating this classic comfort food.
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken for tender bites that blend perfectly with the sauce.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; penne or fusilli work beautifully for holding onto that creamy goodness.
- Corn: Fresh or frozen corn adds a natural sweetness and a pop of color you’ll love.
- Onion: Diced finely, the onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances aroma and adds warmth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The star of the dish, it creates a rich and silky sauce that’s pure comfort.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory notes and balances the cream’s richness perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that nutty flavor and smooth finish.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing, adding a subtle richness and depth.
- Salt and pepper: To season and highlight all those beautiful flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme to brighten the dish at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Draining and setting it aside ensures you’re ready to marry the pasta with that luscious sauce in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
In a large skillet, warm your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onion, setting a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just for about one minute until fragrant. Then add your corn, whether fresh, frozen, or canned (just make sure frozen corn is thawed first). The corn brings a delightful sweetness and texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3 to 5 minutes so it thickens slightly, turning into the silky sauce that makes this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Stir in the cooked chicken next, letting it absorb the flavors of the sauce. Then add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything together so every piece of pasta is cloaked in creamy, flavorful goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, enriching the sauce with its nutty, salty character. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste; this is your moment to balance the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
The final step is to garnish with fresh herbs if you like and serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is luxuriously creamy. This is comfort food at its finest, ready to bring smiles all around your table.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme are wonderful garnishes that add a burst of color and a fresh, herbal brightness to the dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes a lovely accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce and rounds out the meal in the most satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or baked tomatoes, which add color and an extra layer of flavor. You can also plate it with a drizzle of pesto or a dollop of sour cream to add complexity and a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so it’s normal for it to become a bit firmer.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, be sure to cool the pasta completely first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Keep in mind the texture might slightly change, but it remains delicious after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to restore that creamy texture and prevent sticking. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! The Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to use penne, fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just choose your favorite shape, and it will soak up the sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Incorporate veggie broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful while remaining vegetarian.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the chicken and pasta. For a thinner sauce, simply add more chicken broth or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use low-fat dairy instead of heavy cream?
While you can use lower-fat alternatives, heavy cream really contributes to the richness and texture that makes this recipe special. If you substitute, expect a lighter sauce that is less creamy.
What fresh herbs work best for garnishing?
Parsley and thyme are my top picks because they enhance the flavor without overpowering it. Fresh basil or chives also work wonderfully if you want to experiment with different herbal notes.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity to your table with every single bite. It’s easy to make, uses ingredients you likely already have, and pleases everyone from kids to adults. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a treasured favorite in your own home as much as it is in mine!
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 is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken, sweet corn, and a rich creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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, usually about 8-12 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add garlic and corn: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the corn (if using frozen corn, ensure it’s thawed) and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Make the sauce creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and cheese is melted. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Frozen corn should be thawed before adding; fresh or canned corn can be used directly.
- Cooked chicken can be from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish but are optional.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
