CHICKEN CORN PASTA AMAZING DINNER

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Author: Erin Clark
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Delicious Chicken Corn Pasta is shown as the featured image for a recipe article.

Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners and craving something comforting, creamy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this incredible Chicken Corn Pasta recipe – it’s the answer to your dinner dilemmas! This dish combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds, I promise you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation.

Ingredients

A close-up shot showcasing the creamy texture and delicious ingredients of the Chicken Corn Pasta dish.

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Okay, let’s be real – we all want dinner to be easy, delicious, and something the whole family will actually *eat*, right? This Chicken Corn Pasta checks all those boxes, and then some! It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet corn, savory chicken, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible.

Plus, it’s super versatile. You can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different veggies, cheeses, or spices. Think about throwing in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. You could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Getting Started: Prep is Key!

Before you even turn on the stove, let’s get everything prepped. This will make the cooking process so much smoother and less stressful, trust me. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all your spices. Open the cans of corn and drain the whole kernel corn. Grate your Parmesan cheese. And of course, get a pot of water boiling for the pasta!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Chicken:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

  1. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.
  5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor!
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Stir in the creamed corn and drained whole kernel corn.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Everything:

  1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the creamy corn sauce.
  2. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Pasta

  • Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is the way to go – it should be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will get mushy in the sauce.
  • Use good quality chicken broth. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Homemade is always best, but store-bought is fine too.
  • Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese! It adds a wonderful salty, savory flavor to the sauce.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add a pinch of sugar. If your corn isn’t super sweet, a tiny pinch of sugar can really enhance the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some ideas:

  • Add veggies: Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would all be great additions.
  • Use different cheese: Try adding some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
  • Try different pasta: Shells, bowties, or even egg noodles would work well.
  • Add bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor.
  • Make it healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and light cream cheese instead of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Corn Pasta is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side salad or some crusty bread. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even top it with some extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of paprika.

For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad will help to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

While you’re at it, consider making a double batch of this Chicken Corn Pasta! That way, you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze some for a future meal. It’s a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you just don’t have time to cook.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chicken Corn Pasta recipe, you might also like these other delicious pasta dishes:

Chicken Corn Pasta: Ready to Impress!

So there you have it – a foolproof Chicken Corn Pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner party, or just looking for a comforting meal on a cold night, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Now get in the kitchen and give it a try – you won’t regret it!

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

The recipe suggests penne or rotini, but you can use your favorite pasta shape. Shells, bowties, or even egg noodles would also work well.

Can I add other vegetables to the Chicken Corn Pasta?

Yes, you can easily add other vegetables. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli are suggested as good additions.

How should I store leftovers of the Chicken Corn Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce needs loosening.

Is there a quicker alternative to cooking the chicken myself?

Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.

Delicious Chicken Corn Pasta is shown as the featured image for a recipe article.

Chicken Corn Pasta

This Chicken Corn Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s sure to please the whole family. Easy to adapt and incredibly delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lb pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large pot
  • colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • whisk
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  6. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  8. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  9. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  10. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  11. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  12. Stir in the creamed corn and drained whole kernel corn.
  13. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  14. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the creamy corn sauce.
  15. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  16. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is best. Use good quality chicken broth for a flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch of sugar if the corn isn’t sweet enough. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed. Variations include adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach, using different cheeses, or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
Andrea


Andrea, founder of EasyMealstoPrep.com, shares quick, budget-friendly, and family-friendly recipes with smart meal prep tips to make cooking simple and stress-free.

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