Name: Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 ounces uncooked pasta casarecce, cavatappi, rotini, or penne; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch chunks; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup diced shallots; 2 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen (defrosted); 1/3 cup pesto; 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish; 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half; basil leaves for garnish (optional)

There’s something just so comforting about a bowl of pasta bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce. This Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe hits all those cozy notes with tender chicken, sweet corn, and a deliciously creamy twist that makes every bite satisfying. Trust me, it’s a game changer for a weeknight dinner!

The dish in a black cast iron pan shows three main layers: at the bottom, there is light yellow pasta with a slightly glossy texture, scattered evenly; mixed throughout are small bright yellow corn kernels adding pops of color; on top are pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown grilled surface and a tender look, seasoned with green herbs. The dish is sprinkled with white grated cheese and decorated with fresh green basil leaves. In the background, to the top left, there is a small white bowl filled with thick green pesto sauce and a spoon. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes because it’s exactly that—creamy, hearty, and layered with flavors that just work together so well. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, even on hectic days.

Perfectly creamy: The mix of pesto, parmesan, and cream creates this rich sauce that clings beautifully to every nook of the pasta.
Bright pops of sweetness: Sweet corn kernels add a fresh and unexpected contrast that makes the dish pop in every bite.
Simple ingredients: No fancy grocery trips needed—just pantry staples and fresh items you probably have on hand.
Flexible and adaptable: Swap in your favorite pasta shape or add veggies to make it your own without any fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish is all about comfort and simplicity. The ingredients complement each other perfectly, creating a creamy sauce that’s balanced by the savory chicken and the sweet burst from corn. Here are some tips on what to look for when you're shopping:

Flat lay of casarecce pasta with its twisted tube shapes, golden raw chicken breast chunks, a few green basil leaves, fresh bright yellow corn kernels in a small white ceramic bowl, finely diced pale pink shallots in a white bowl, shredded pale ivory parmesan cheese in a white bowl, fresh creamy white heavy cream in a small white bowl, rich green pesto sauce in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a white ceramic dish of mixed dried Italian herbs and spices, whole brown uncracked eggs arranged symmetrically, and a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pasta: Using twisted or tube-shaped varieties like casarecce or cavatappi helps catch all that creamy sauce in every bite.
Chicken breasts: Choosing boneless and skinless pieces makes cooking faster and leaves room to season them thoroughly.
Italian seasoning: A blend to bring some herby warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that really elevates the chicken.
Shallots: Their mild onion flavor softens beautifully when sautéed, providing a delicate base for the sauce.
Corn kernels: Fresh is fantastic here, but frozen works just as well—just be sure to thaw and drain to avoid watering down your sauce.
Pesto: The basil pesto adds vibrant color and an herbal punch, acting as a natural flavor booster.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh is always best—it melts smoothly and adds that wonderful umami kick.
Heavy cream or half and half: This is where the magic happens—creating the silky, rich texture that makes the pasta irresistible.
Basil leaves: Optional but lovely for a fresh, aromatic garnish that brightens the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I enjoy most about this Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge that day. I love adding sautéed spinach or swapping chicken for turkey sausage for a little twist.

Variation: Recently, I tried tossing in some cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst and it was a total hit—adds freshness without extra fuss.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or artichokes instead; just sauté them until golden before mixing everything together.
Spice it up: For a little kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the shallots and corn.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a pasta dish containing three main layers: at the bottom is light yellow short tubular pasta with a smooth, slightly shiny texture, mixed with bright yellow corn kernels scattered throughout. The middle layer consists of medium-sized chunks of light brown cooked chicken pieces with visible herbs and slight sear marks for texture. On top, fresh dark green basil leaves are placed sporadically, along with finely grated white cheese sprinkled over the whole dish. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, partly buried under the pasta and chicken, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the pasta until perfectly al dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package, aiming for al dente—this means the pasta should be tender but still have a little bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside; tossing it with a little olive oil can keep it from sticking if you’re waiting to combine everything.

Step 2: Season and brown the chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then spread out the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes so they develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook until fully cooked through, which usually takes another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté shallots and corn to flavor base

Reduce the heat to medium, add the diced shallots and corn to the same skillet, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. This softens the shallots and heats the corn, infusing those wonderful caramelized notes into the dish.

Step 4: Combine pasta, chicken, and pesto

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and stir in the pesto. This step is where the flavors start to marry, so make sure everything is evenly coated with that vibrant basil goodness.

Step 5: Pour in cream and parmesan for luscious sauce

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly. Keep it on medium-low heat, stirring gently to avoid curdling. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a splash more cream if you want it even richer.

Step 6: Garnish and serve right away

Top with extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves for that pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve this creamy, cozy pasta immediately—for me, it tastes best right off the stove while it’s still piping hot.

Top Tip

From my kitchen trials, I’ve realized these tips make all the difference when making the Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe come out perfect every time.

Don’t overcrowd the chicken: Give each piece room in the pan so it crisps properly rather than steams.
Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts more smoothly than pre-grated cheese from a bag and really boosts flavor.
Thaw frozen corn fully: Pat it dry before sautéing to avoid watering down the sauce.
Mix pasta gently: Stir carefully when combining everything so the sauce sticks without breaking the pasta shapes.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a generous sprinkle of extra parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves. Sometimes, I also add a pinch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good quality olive oil to give it an extra shine and aroma right before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for some added texture and brightness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving this pasta in individual bowls with a basil sprig and lemon zest on top. It adds a fresh pop of color and makes it feel a little more special without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps really well for up to 3 days. I usually add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce a bit and keep it from getting too thick or dry.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay but because of the cream, the texture can change slightly. If you want to freeze, portion it out and freeze without the parmesan garnish, then stir in fresh cheese when reheating. You’ll want to thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky texture. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring often.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different kind of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or cavatappi work great because their grooves hold onto the creamy sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan substitutes. Keep in mind the flavors and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and keep them separately refrigerated. When ready to eat, just combine everything, heat gently in a skillet with cream and cheese, and serve. This way, it stays fresher and doesn’t get mushy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the sauce?

Reheat slowly over low heat in a pan with a splash of milk or cream. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth. In the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to prevent separation.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Corn Pasta Recipe is one of those dependable dishes I turn to when I want something comforting, quick, and feel-good. It’s like a warm hug on a plate and perfect for sharing with family or friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!