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The creamy blend of sweet corn and juicy chicken creates a homestyle pasta that feels fancy but comes together fast. The crispy bacon adds just the right savory kick, while the bow-tie pasta holds all that velvety sauce in its nooks and crannies. It's a 30-minute meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking. Everyone at your table will want another helping of this perfectly balanced, flavor-packed dish.
I stumbled on this combo and now can't stop making it for family meals and when friends drop by. There's something magical about how the corn's sweetness plays with the bacon's saltiness that gets even my fussiest family members to clean their plates. Summer's my favorite time for this dish when corn is super fresh – nothing beats that straight-from-the-cob flavor.
Standout Components
- Fresh corn kernels: They bring natural sweetness and a nice pop; grab bright ears with plump kernels for maximum flavor
- Boneless chicken thighs: Way more flavorful and harder to dry out than breast meat, giving you juicy bites every time
- Thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky richness; don't skimp on quality here for the best taste experience
- Farfalle pasta: The bow-tie shape grabs onto the sauce perfectly, making little flavor pockets in every bite
- Heavy cream: Makes that dreamy sauce happen; stick with full-fat for the smoothest texture
Crafting Your Pasta Creation
- Start With Bacon:
- Cook your bacon till golden and crispy, setting up a flavor-packed base for everything else.
- Perfect Your Chicken:
- Brown seasoned chicken chunks until done, letting them soak up all that bacon goodness.
- Sweet Corn Magic:
- Toss in those corn kernels and let them brown slightly to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Build Your Sauce:
- Add cream and let it bubble down slowly, gathering all those amazing flavors together.
- Bring In The Pasta:
- Mix in cooked farfalle, making sure each piece gets thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce.
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My mom always told me to use fresh corn when possible. The first time I whipped up this dish with corn I'd just picked that day, it clicked why she was so insistent - the sweetness and crunch were on another level. Now I look forward to corn season partly just so I can make this pasta at its absolute best.
Perfect Pairings
Make this meal even better with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemony dressing. Grab some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce, and throw in some roasted cherry tomatoes for little bursts of tangy flavor that cut through the richness.
Mix It Up
Switch things around by using crispy prosciutto instead of bacon for a fancier feel. Toss in whatever veggies are in season - asparagus and peas work great for color and nutrition. Want something lighter? Go with half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add more pasta water to keep things creamy.
Keeping Leftovers
Store any extra pasta in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a tiny splash of cream to bring back the creaminess. Heat it slowly on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring now and then. Don't try freezing this one - the sauce will break apart when thawed.
After making this dish countless times, I've learned that taking your time with the sauce really pays off. When those sweet corn kernels and smoky bacon bits come together with the creamy sauce, something almost magical happens. In our house, this pasta isn't just dinner - it's our way of celebrating summer's best flavors and getting everyone excited to gather around the table.
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Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I swap frozen corn for fresh?
- Totally! Just let it thaw and drain the extra moisture. You'll need about 2 cups.
- → What’s a good alternative to heavy cream?
- Half-and-half is fine, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Heavy cream gives the best texture.
- → What other pasta shapes work?
- Almost any! Try something like penne, rotini, or shells - they all work well.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Use an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if it’s dry.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- It’s best fresh, though you can cook the chicken, bacon, and corn ahead. Then just make the pasta fresh and mix it all together.