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The perfect blend of sweet corn and juicy chicken come together in this dreamy, rich pasta that turns basic ingredients into a fancy dinner you'd expect at a nice restaurant. The crispy bacon adds just the right savory kick while the bow-tie pasta holds all that velvety sauce, making an amazing combo that turns this 30-minute meal into something really special. Every bite gives you a wonderful mix of tastes that'll have everyone at your table wanting more.
Since finding this combo, it's become what I always make for family meals and casual get-togethers. The way the corn's sweetness works with the salty bacon creates such a nice contrast that even my fussiest eaters finish everything on their plates. I can't wait to make this in summer when corn is best – there's something truly special about that freshly cut sweetness.
Exceptional Ingredients
- Fresh corn kernels: Give natural sweetness and a nice bite; grab bright, firm cobs with juicy kernels for maximum flavor
- Boneless chicken thighs: Pack more taste and stay juicier than breasts, giving you tender meat every time
- High-quality bacon: Brings smoky richness; try thick-cut types for better texture and deeper flavor
- Farfalle pasta: Holds the creamy sauce in its little folds, creating tasty pockets in every bite
- Heavy cream: Makes the rich sauce base; don't skimp on fat content if you want the creamiest results
Building Your Pasta Wonder
- Bacon Start:
- Cook your bacon until golden and crunchy, setting up a tasty foundation that'll flavor the whole dish.
- Chicken Magic:
- Brown your seasoned chicken pieces thoroughly, letting them soak up those bacon flavors.
- Corn Magic:
- Toss in those fresh corn kernels, allowing them to brown slightly for extra sweetness.
- Sauce Magic:
- Add cream and let it simmer down, pulling all those flavors into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Pasta Finish:
- Mix in your cooked farfalle, making sure every piece gets nicely covered in sauce.
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When I was little and cooking with my mom, she always said we had to use fresh corn when we could get it. The first time I made this dish with corn I'd just picked up from the farm stand, I finally got what she meant – the sweet crunch created a totally different meal. Now I count down to corn season just so I can make this pasta at its absolute best.
Perfect Pairings
Make this pasta even better by serving it with a fresh arugula salad with lemony dressing. A loaf of crusty bread works great for soaking up all that yummy sauce, while some roasted cherry tomatoes add a tangy pop that balances out the rich flavors nicely.
Fun Variations
Switch up this flexible dish by using crispy prosciutto instead of bacon for a fancier feel. Throw in seasonal veggies like asparagus or peas for extra color and goodness. Want something lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add more pasta water to keep things creamy.
Saving Leftovers
Store any extra pasta in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days, and keep it creamy by adding a little splash of cream when you warm it up. Heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring now and then for even heating. Don't try freezing this one since the cream sauce might separate when thawed.
After making this dish countless times, I've learned that taking your time with the sauce really pays off. When the sweet corn and smoky bacon mix with that creamy sauce, something magical happens. This pasta isn't just dinner at our house anymore – it's our way of celebrating summer's best flavors that gets everyone rushing to the table.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is frozen corn okay to use?
- Totally! Thaw and drain it first. You'll need about two cups of it.
- → What’s a good swap for heavy cream?
- Half-and-half is fine but makes a thinner sauce. Heavy cream works best.
- → Can I change the pasta shape?
- Sure! Try penne, shells, or rotini. Medium shapes work great.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Pop it in an airtight box in the fridge. It’ll last up to three days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if it thickens up.
- → Can I make it in advance?
- It’s best fresh, but you can prep parts ahead—cook the chicken, bacon, and corn separately—then put it all together later with fresh pasta.