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Juicy chicken and farm-fresh corn blend together in this velvety pasta that turns basic ingredients into a fancy dinner worth showing off. The crispy bacon brings just the right savory kick while the bow-tie pasta holds all that silky sauce perfectly, creating a mouthwatering mix that makes this half-hour meal feel extra special. Every bite delivers a perfect combo of tastes that'll have your family begging for more.
Since finding this combo, it's become my favorite for both family meals and casual get-togethers. The way the corn's sweetness plays with the bacon's saltiness creates such a tasty contrast that even my fussiest kids clean their plates. I can't wait to make this during corn season – there's something truly special about that fresh-off-the-cob sweetness.
Standout Components
- Corn cut from the cob: Brings natural sweetness and crunch; grab bright, firm ears with fat kernels for tastiest results
- Skinless chicken thighs: Pack more flavor and juiciness than breast meat, giving you tender bites every time
- Premium bacon: Delivers smoky richness; grab thick-cut stuff for better texture and taste
- Bow-tie pasta: Traps the creamy sauce in its nooks, making little flavor pockets throughout
- Full-fat cream: Forms the rich sauce base; don't go low-fat if you want that smooth finish
Crafting Your Dinner Sensation
- Bacon Starting Point:
- Cook your bacon until golden and crunchy, setting up a flavor-packed foundation for everything else.
- Chicken Done Right:
- Brown seasoned chicken chunks until cooked through, letting them soak up those bacon flavors.
- Sweet Corn Magic:
- Toss corn kernels into the pan, allowing them to brown slightly for extra sweetness.
- Building the Sauce:
- Add cream and simmer gently, letting all those flavors meld into a silky mixture.
- Bringing It Together:
- Mix in your cooked bow-ties, making sure each pasta piece gets completely covered.
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When I was little and cooking with my mom, she always told me to use fresh corn when we could get it. The first time I made this pasta with corn I'd just picked up from the farmers market, I finally got what she meant – the sweetness and snap created a totally different meal. Now I look forward to summer corn just so I can make this pasta at its best.
Perfect Pairings
Make this pasta really shine by serving it with a peppery arugula salad with fresh lemon dressing. Some crusty bread works great for sopping up all that amazing sauce, while a side of roasted cherry tomatoes adds a tangy burst that balances out the richness perfectly.
Mix It Up Options
Switch things around by using crispy prosciutto instead of bacon for a fancier feel. Throw in whatever's in season like asparagus or snap 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 without all the calories.
Leftovers Advice
Store any extra pasta in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days, and keep that creamy texture by adding a little splash of cream when you warm it up. Heat it slowly on the stove or in your microwave, giving it a stir now and then for even warming. Don't try freezing this one though – the cream sauce will separate when thawed and won't look pretty.
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 truly magical happens. This pasta isn't just dinner at our house – it's a celebration of summer flavors that brings everyone running to the table.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is frozen corn okay for this dish?
- Absolutely. Just thaw and drain it first. You’ll need around 2 cups of corn.
- → Can I swap heavy cream for something lighter?
- You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Heavy cream works best!
- → Can I pick another pasta shape?
- Definitely. Try rotini, shell pasta, or penne if you’d like something different from farfalle.
- → How should leftovers be kept?
- Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add cream if it needs moisture when reheating.
- → Can I prep this early?
- It's best to serve freshly made, but you can cook the chicken, bacon, and corn ahead. Just mix it all together with fresh pasta when needed.