Name: Creamy Chicken and 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)

Nothing beats the comforting hug of a luscious sauce wrapped around tender chicken and sweet bursts of corn. This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe brings together those cozy flavors for an easy meal that's full of personality and perfect for any night of the week.

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 and Corn Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this creamy chicken and corn pasta because it’s just so simple to pull off yet tastes like you spent hours cooking. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something comforting without all the fuss.

Speedy Comfort: Ready in about 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavors: The smoky paprika, tangy pesto, and sweet corn blend beautifully for a crowd-pleasing dish.
One-Pan Ease: Less cleanup means more time for you to relax after dinner.
Customizable: You can swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or adjust creaminess to suit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The star of the show is the chicken, paired with fresh or frozen corn for that natural sweetness, then smoothed over with a creamy mix of pesto, parmesan, and cream. Each ingredient brings something that makes this dish sing, while being easy to find and prep.

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 (casarecce, cavatappi, rotini, or penne): These shapes hold sauce in their curves and hollows — perfect for a creamy dish like this.
Chicken breasts: Cut into chunks to cook quickly and soak up all those flavors.
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness that elevates the mild chicken and corn.
Shallots: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Corn kernels: Fresh or frozen works – the kernels’ crisp sweetness balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Pesto: Brings a fresh, herby punch with basil and garlic to brighten the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for umami richness and texture.
Heavy cream or half and half: Adds luscious creaminess that ties everything together.
Basil leaves (optional): Fresh garnish that adds an inviting aroma and color pop.

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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 best things about this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap out the pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a tangier twist or add a handful of baby spinach toward the end for a touch of green and extra nutrients.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken for turkey breast chunks and still loved the result — so feel free to experiment with your favorite proteins.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Veggie Boost: Roasted red peppers or mushrooms make great additions if you want to make the meal heartier or sneak in extra veggies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and 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 just tender

I like to start by boiling my pasta in salted water until it’s al dente — that perfect balance between tender and firm. Overcooking here can make the final dish mushy once it all comes together, so keep a close eye and taste early.

Step 2: Season and brown the chicken

While the pasta cooks, I toss the chicken chunks in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, I lay the chicken down and resist the urge to stir for the first few minutes — that's how you get that golden crust which adds great texture and flavor.

Step 3: Sauté shallots and corn

After the chicken’s cooked through, I set it aside and use the same pan to sauté diced shallots and corn kernels. The residual flavors on the pan add a subtle smoky background. Just a few minutes until the shallots soften and the corn gets a hint of caramelization.

Step 4: Bring it all together

I return the chicken to the skillet, toss in the cooked pasta, and stir through the pesto so everything's coated in that herbaceous goodness. Pouring in heavy cream and parmesan, I stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, coating every bite.

Step 5: Final taste and serve

This final step is all about tweaking — a pinch more salt, a splash more cream if it feels too thick, or a grind of fresh black pepper. I love finishing with extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves for color and an aromatic lift right before serving.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these simple tips will help you get the best results with this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe every time. I’ve learned them the hard way!

Patience with Chicken: Letting the chicken brown undisturbed forms a flavorful crust and keeps it juicy inside.
Pasta Timing: Drain the pasta just before it reaches full tenderness since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
Adjust Creaminess Gradually: Pour cream slowly to control sauce thickness so it never feels too heavy or watery.
Sauté Corn Last: This preserves its natural sweetness and a little bite rather than turning mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m partial to freshly shredded parmesan and torn basil leaves for that fresh, cheesy, and herbaceous finish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a little kick if you like heat.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here, like a crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli also pair nicely for a veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this pasta in individual ramekins topped with microgreens and an extra drizzle of pesto oil. It feels fancy but remains cozy and approachable — perfect for impressing guests without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find the pasta absorbs some of the sauce as it sits, so it’s best to reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that saucy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing to prevent it from getting mushy. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain that creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works really well here. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand to avoid extra moisture in the sauce, and sauté it until slightly caramelized to bring out its sweetness.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy sauce?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast. This keeps the sauce creamy and flavorful while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.

What types of pasta are best for this recipe?

Short, curly pastas like casarecce, cavatappi, rotini, or penne work best because their shapes catch the creamy sauce perfectly, giving each bite wonderful flavor coverage.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats beautifully when stored properly. Just keep the sauce and pasta slightly undercooked initially to prevent it from becoming mushy. Add fresh basil or cheese just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a warm, satisfying hug after a busy day. I hope it brings you just as much joy and simplicity, turning routine dinners into moments you look forward to. Give it a try — I think you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make something this comforting.