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Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 10 oz farfalle bow tie pasta
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skinless, boneless)
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups corn kernels cooked (4 corn ears corn on the cob)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• fresh herbs thyme, oregano, or marjoram (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once bubbling happily, toss in the farfalle bow tie pasta and cook it according to the package's directions, which is usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants mushy pasta! Once it's cooked to al dente perfection, drain it and set it aside to await its creamy destiny.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Cheese While the pasta's cooking, grab your Parmesan cheese and shred about ½ cup. Place it in a heatproof bowl and leave it near the stove. This way, it'll warm up just a bit and be ready to melt smoothly into your sauce.

3. Step 3: Season the Chicken Take your chicken thighs and slice them into thinner strips, which helps them cook evenly and quickly. Sprinkle them generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, a dash of salt, and a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each piece is lovingly coated with the spices.

4. Step 4: Cook the Chicken Heat a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and ready, add the seasoned chicken strips. Let them sizzle away for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they're completely cooked through and develop a nice golden color. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest for a moment.

5. Step 5: Season the Corn In the same skillet, add the cooked corn kernels along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir everything together and let it cook on low heat for about 3 minutes. This step infuses the corn with a delightful smoky and spicy flavor.

6. Step 6: Remove Half the Corn Once the corn is nicely seasoned, spoon out half of the kernels and set them aside on a plate. They'll make a crunchy, sweet topping later on that brings everything together.

7. Step 7: Make the Creamy Sauce Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the remaining corn kernels. Raise the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. As the cream starts to warm, it should begin to bubble quietly, creating the base for your creamy sauce.

8. Step 8: Melt the Cheese into the Sauce Now, add your shredded Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring gently over low heat. The cheese will melt into the cream, transforming it into a rich and velvety sauce. Make sure to keep stirring until it's all blended smoothly.

9. Step 9: Combine the Pasta with the Sauce It's time for the pasta to join the party! Add the cooked and drained bow tie pasta into the skillet, tossing it through the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece gets coated in that luscious mixture.

10. Step 10: Add the Chicken Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it nestle into the pasta and sauce. The chicken will soak up some of the creamy goodness, keeping it moist and flavorful.

11. Step 11: Finish with the Reserved Corn Sprinkle the reserved corn kernels over the top. They add not just a pop of color but also a wonderful texture, making each bite an exciting mix of flavors and sensations.

12. Step 12: Garnish and Serve Finally, sprinkle some fresh herbs over your dish—thyme, oregano, or marjoram work beautifully. They add a splash of green and a hint of freshness to round out the dish. Now, it's ready to serve and enjoy!

Notes

Whipping up a scrumptious bowl of creamy chicken and corn pasta can be a breeze, but a few hiccups might pop up along the way. A common slip-up is overcooking the pasta—no one likes a mushy bow tie! Keep an eye on the clock and check a minute or two early, just to be safe.

Another pitfall is neglecting to season the chicken well. That pinch of smoked paprika and Italian seasoning is what makes the chicken sing. Don’t skimp on it!

When melting the Parmesan, patience is key. Rushing can lead to a clumpy sauce, so stir gently and let it melt completely. Lastly, remember to cook the corn until it’s just right—too long and it loses its sweet, juicy crunch. Follow these tips and you'll have a delightful dish every time!

Keywords: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Dish, Chicken and Corn Pasta Bake, Creamy Corn Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Corn Alfredo Pasta, Rich Chicken and Corn Noodles, Creamy Chicken and Sweet Corn Pasta