Dreamy Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Whipping up a delightful chicken and corn pasta feels like culinary magic waiting to happen.

Comfort nestles into every forkful of this creamy dish that promises satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with unexpected charm.

Seasonal corn kernels dance through rich, velvety sauce, creating texture that makes you smile.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one skillet.

Simple yet sophisticated, this meal combines familiar flavors in a way that sparks excitement.

Grab your apron and let the delicious adventure begin!

Why Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Is a Dinner Win

• Perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes without complicated techniques.
• Swap corn for other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in the same pan, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen mess.
• Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its familiar, hearty flavors.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Corn Pasta

• Pasta, Chicken: Classic combo for a hearty main dish. Choose medium-sized pasta like penne or rotini for best sauce coverage. Chicken breast works best for lean protein.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base that adds rich texture and depth of flavor. Use full-fat versions for maximum richness. Fresh Parmesan offers better taste compared to pre-grated options.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Corn: Flavor enhancers that provide depth and complexity. Fresh garlic recommended over pre-minced. Sweet corn adds natural sweetness. Paprika brings mild warmth and color.

Cooking a Creamy Pasta That’s Packed with Sweet Corn

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Corn and Garlic

In the same skillet, add corn kernels and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese

Stir ingredients until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix well with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Toss cooked pasta into the skillet. Ensure pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Simmer briefly to heat through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates. Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips to Get the Sauce Just Right

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixing with the creamy sauce, ensuring perfect bite and consistency.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Grate Parmesan fresh for deeper flavor and smoother melting, helping create a more luxurious sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Corn Sweetness Boost: Use fresh corn kernels during summer for natural sweetness, or select high-quality frozen corn for consistent flavor and texture.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary preferences without compromising the dish's creamy essence.
• Spice Level Control: Customize heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a subtle kick, allowing personalization of the recipe's flavor profile.

Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 34 days maximum.
• Reheat individual portions in 3045 second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Pour a little extra cream or broth to restore original creamy consistency.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and balance the dish's heaviness.
• Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, creating a light, zesty contrast to the pasta's creamy texture and helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve warm, crusty bread brushed with olive oil and roasted garlic to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary flavor profile.
• Provide a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage that cuts through the richness and enhances the meal's overall dining experience with a citrusy twist.

Corn and Chicken Pasta Twists to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, seasoned with the same spices for a protein-packed meat-free alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy sauce and flavorful seasonings intact.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed version of the original recipe.

Pasta FAQs You’ll Want to Bookmark

• Is this recipe spicy?

The seasoning of salt, pepper, and paprika provides a mild, flavorful taste without significant heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or reducing black pepper.

• Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen corn completely and pat dry before adding to the skillet. Fresh or canned corn works equally well in this recipe.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are ideal for this creamy sauce. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well and create a delicious coating.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Simmering with comfort, this creamy chicken and corn pasta delivers a delightful harmony of flavors that dance across your palate. Each forkful promises a satisfying blend of tender chicken, sweet corn, and rich, velvety sauce you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Corn:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and corn kernels for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Gently whisk ingredients until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to ensure even coating with the creamy sauce.
6. Add the reserved pasta to the skillet and thoroughly toss, ensuring every strand is generously covered with the rich sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and reheat thoroughly.
7. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and creamy.

Notes

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add instant flavor complexity without extra cooking steps.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of broth to maintain creamy texture.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, understanding the sauce might be slightly less rich.
• Create a gluten-free adaptation by using alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta, which holds sauce similarly well.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg