If you’re craving a comforting dish that blends hearty flavors with a luscious, luscious texture, this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chicken mingling with sweet bursts of corn, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta shape. It’s simple, satisfying, and an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the richness of the cream to the natural sweetness of the corn. Having these essentials on hand means you’re just minutes away from a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly rewarding.
- Cooked chicken: Using shredded or diced chicken adds protein and a tender texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Pasta: Choose any shape you love, as it serves as the hearty base to carry all the creamy goodness.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn delivers a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
- Onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and silky for that indulgent feel.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while enhancing savory notes.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy finish.
- Olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing the veggies, adding a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme give a fresh, vibrant kick at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Draining and setting it aside promptly ensures the noodles won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large skillet, then add diced onion. Cooking it gently until soft and translucent brings out a natural sweetness that forms the flavor base for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Corn
Next, stir in the minced garlic and give it about a minute to release its fragrant aroma without browning. Add the corn at this point—whether fresh, frozen, or canned makes no difference—as it softens slightly while maintaining its delightful burst of sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture thicken a little over 3 to 5 minutes, turning into a luscious sauce that’s just waiting to envelop the pasta and chicken.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Stir in your cooked chicken, letting the pieces heat through and mingle with the sauce. Then add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly so each bite is coated in creamy, dreamy goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely, smoothing out the sauce with a rich, nutty finish. Season with salt and pepper to your own preference, adjusting to taste for that perfect harmony of flavors.
Step 7: Serve Up
Your Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve, garnish with optional fresh herbs if you like, and dive right into this comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme are beautiful finishing touches that add brightness and lift the dish with their subtle herbaceous notes. A little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top never hurts either if you love that cheesy punch.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or even some crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce. These sides introduce texture and contrast that keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the skillet in the center of the table so everyone can dig in. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings topped with herb sprigs and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also bake it briefly with breadcrumbs on top until golden for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You may notice the sauce thickens, but a splash of broth or cream stirred in upon reheating will bring it right back to silky perfection.
Freezing
While creamy sauces often separate when frozen, this dish can still be frozen if needed. Cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with small amounts of added chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to warm evenly and keep that luscious, satisfying consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe works well with almost any pasta shape—penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just pick your favorite and cook it according to the package’s recommended time.
Is it okay to use canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes, canned corn is a convenient and tasty option here. Just be sure to drain it well before adding to avoid excess liquid in the sauce, and you’ll still get that lovely sweet crunch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.
How can I boost the flavor if I want a little more kick?
Add some red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions, or finish with freshly ground black pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also brighten and enhance the flavors beautifully.
Can I use raw chicken in the recipe?
This recipe calls for cooked chicken, but if you want to use raw, you can dice it and cook it in the skillet just after the onion is softened. Make sure to cook until the chicken is no longer pink before adding garlic and corn.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe a try, because it’s one of those comforting, crave-worthy meals that feels like a little celebration every time you eat it. With simple ingredients that come together in just about 30 minutes, it makes busy weeknights feel special and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite—you deserve it!
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
A comforting and creamy chicken and corn pasta dish that combines tender cooked chicken, sweet corn, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – 2 cups
- Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) – 1 cup
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or thyme)
- Pasta (your choice of shape) – 8 ounces
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it 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, approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
- Add garlic and corn: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the corn, ensuring if frozen it is fully thawed to heat evenly.
- Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine with chicken and pasta: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet. Then toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for personal preference.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme if desired, and serve the creamy chicken and corn pasta immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well.
- If using frozen corn, thaw completely for best texture and even cooking.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe faster and easier.
- To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs add a bright flavor but are optional.
