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- 250g penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 chicken breasts, diced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making creamy chicken and corn pasta, the right ingredients matter. Each one plays a big role in making the dish tasty. Penne pasta is perfect as it holds the sauce well. Use olive oil to cook the chicken, which adds flavor. Chicken breasts give protein and a nice texture. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its taste. Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen corn. Garlic is essential; it brings in a rich aroma. The heavy cream turns the dish creamy and rich. Dried oregano and smoked paprika give depth and warmth to the sauce. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy finish. Don't forget the fresh parsley to brighten the dish with color and flavor. Understanding these ingredients helps you craft a comforting and delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 250g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of that pasta water. It helps later with the sauce. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. You want it to be fully cooked and golden brown. This color adds flavor and looks great in the dish. After the chicken is ready, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of sweet corn and 3 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté this mix for about 2-3 minutes. You want the corn to be tender and the garlic to become fragrant. Fresh garlic gives a nice flavor boost. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Stir it well with the corn and garlic. Then add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Let this mixture simmer for about 3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and develop rich flavors. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Mix everything together well and slowly add the reserved pasta water. This helps to achieve your desired creaminess. The pasta water also helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your creamy chicken and corn pasta right away. Enjoy! - Achieving the perfect creaminess: To get that smooth and rich sauce, start with heavy cream. Heat it gently to avoid curdling. Stir in your grated Parmesan as the last step. This adds flavor and helps make the sauce creamy. If it’s too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired texture. - Adjusting seasoning for personal taste: Taste your sauce before serving. You can always add more salt, pepper, or spices. If you love heat, consider adding a touch of red pepper flakes. For a hint of freshness, try squeezing a little lemon juice before serving. - Presentation ideas for a beautiful dish: Serve your creamy chicken and corn pasta in wide bowls. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. Add a sprig of parsley for color. A dash of smoked paprika also makes the dish pop. - Pairing options: This pasta goes well with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette can balance the creaminess. Fresh bread, like a baguette or garlic bread, makes a great side too. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Essential tools needed for preparation: You will need a large pot for boiling pasta. A large skillet is great for cooking the chicken and sauce. A wooden spoon helps mix everything well. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. - Recommended cookware for optimal results: Use a nonstick skillet for easy cooking and cleaning. A pot with a wide base helps the pasta cook evenly. Consider a good quality knife for dicing the chicken and garlic finely. These tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh corn and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier pasta, add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options give great flavor. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu, on the other hand, is a great choice for a plant-based meal. For pasta, you can choose gluten-free versions or whole grain. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. To make your dish even tastier, add spices or herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the flavors. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. You can also add in more veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition. If you want more protein, toss in some cooked bacon or chickpeas. To make this dish low-calorie, use light cream or a milk alternative. You can also cut back on cheese or use a low-fat version. For vegetarian options, skip the chicken and use more veggies. For a vegan twist, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. To store your creamy chicken and corn pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it instead. Make sure to label your containers with the date. When you reheat the pasta, keep it creamy by adding a splash of milk or broth. This helps bring back the sauce. I recommend using a microwave or a skillet. If you use the microwave, heat for short bursts, stirring in between. If you use a skillet, warm it over low heat, stirring often. Yes, you can freeze creamy chicken and corn pasta. For best results, freeze it in a suitable container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For reheating, follow the same tips as above to keep it creamy and delicious. You can use whole milk mixed with butter. This gives a rich texture. You can also try sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Coconut cream works well too for a dairy-free option. Yes, you can! Cook the pasta and chicken ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine and heat in a pan. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Absolutely! Frozen chicken works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Some great sides include a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Steamed veggies also pair nicely. For something light, try a cucumber salad; it adds a nice crunch. Yes, you can use different cheeses! Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, while cheddar gives a sharp flavor. Feta or goat cheese can add a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste! In this blog post, we explored a delicious creamy chicken and corn pasta recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and useful tips for perfecting the dish. We also covered variations and storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Remember, you can swap ingredients to fit your needs, and make it your own. Enjoy trying this recipe and impressing your family. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, chicken, and sweet corn.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Cook Corn and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sweet corn and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the corn is tender and garlic is fragrant.
  • Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add dried oregano and smoked paprika, and let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water slowly, until the pasta reaches your desired creaminess.
  • Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve: Plate the creamy chicken and corn pasta, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top along with a sprig of parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika for added visual appeal!
Keyword chicken, corn, creamy, pasta