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)

There’s something just so comforting about a rich, velvety pasta dish that’s packed with tender chicken and sweet bursts of corn. This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe hits all those cozy notes perfectly, making it a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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 genuinely love this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe because it’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy-tasting enough to impress, even if you’re just treating yourself. It’s got that beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and a little sweetness from the corn that always gets compliments.

Simplicity: The whole dish comes together quickly, with ingredients you may already have in your pantry and fridge.
Texture Contrast: The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crisp-tender corn make every bite interesting.
Flavor Boost: Using pesto and freshly grated parmesan adds an irresistible herby, cheesy depth.
Versatility: It easily adapts to what you have on hand—swap the pasta shape, add veggies, or use half-and-half to lighten it up.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe plays its part to create layers of flavor and texture. The chicken delivers protein and heartiness, while corn adds subtle sweetness. The pesto blends that herbal punch with the cream and cheese for luxurious richness.

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 on to the sauce beautifully, making sure every bite is creamy and saucy.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cuts into quick-cooking chunks that stay tender when seared right.
Italian seasoning: Gives the chicken that classic savory herb flavor to complement the creamy sauce.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Add depth and a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
Shallots: Their mild onion flavor melts into the sauce and pairs perfectly with corn.
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Bring natural sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing the creamy texture.
Pesto: This herby sauce introduces brightness and richness that lifts the whole dish.
Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Basil leaves (optional): Fresh garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal aroma when serving.

📝

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

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe is a fantastic base to tweak according to your taste or what’s in your kitchen. Personally, I love adding a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick, but you can keep it mild or turn it up as you like.

Variation: I once swapped the chicken for shrimp, which cooked up quickly and made for a fresh twist that my family adored.
Dietary Modifications: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the dish, or swap pasta for a gluten-free option without changing the flavor.
Seasonal Changes: Add sautéed zucchini or spinach in with the corn to pack in more veggies when they’re fresh and in season.

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 Just Right

First things first, get your pasta cooking in a large pot of boiling salted water. I like to cook mine until it’s just al dente — firm to the bite but not mushy. Drain it and set it aside so you can finish the sauce without worrying about overcooking the noodles.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta boils, toss your chicken chunks in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and spread the chicken out in a single layer — don’t crowd the pan! Let it cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes to build a nice golden crust, then flip and finish cooking through. When it’s done, transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Corn

Reduce the heat to medium, then add diced shallots and corn to the skillet. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the shallots soften and the corn is tender — you’ll smell that sweet, buttery aroma starting to come through.

Step 4: Combine and Create the Creamy Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and pesto, stirring everything until the pasta is fully coated. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan. Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is warm and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or cream if you want it richer.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan and scatter fresh basil leaves on top if you have them. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting creaminess!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe so many times, and I’ve learned a few tricks that always guarantee a crowd-pleaser. These tips helped me turn this from a simple pasta dish into a guaranteed weeknight hit.

Don’t Skip the Crust: Letting the chicken sit while searing without stirring forms that golden crust which adds flavor and texture.
Parmesan Timing: Stir the Parmesan in low and slow so it melts gently and keeps the sauce creamy instead of grainy.
Adjust Cream Thickness: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more cream or pasta water to loosen it a little—it should be saucy but not runny.
Season at the End: Taste for salt after adding pesto and cheese because both can bring saltiness—this avoids over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Corn - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of using extra Parmesan and fresh basil for garnishing because they add a pop of flavor and look pretty. Sometimes I’ll toss on a few toasted pine nuts for crunch or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is also a classic go-to, soaking up the delicious creamy sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this pasta in little white bowls with fresh basil on top and a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who love a bit of heat. Adding a small side of grilled veggies arranged colorfully makes the plate pop visually and tastefully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens after chilling, so before reheating, I add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta successfully, but the texture of corn changes a bit after thawing. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a little added cream or pasta water, stirring often to revive that creamy texture. Microwaving is fine too, just pause to stir so it heats evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While I recommend shapes like casarecce, cavatappi, rotini, or penne because they hold sauce well, you can use whatever pasta you have. Just keep in mind the cooking time and texture might vary slightly.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can! Shrimp or turkey chunks work nicely if you want a different protein. Just adjust the cooking time because shrimp cooks more quickly, and turkey may need a little longer.

Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe?

Definitely. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use less cheese or low-fat Parmesan. The flavor will still be great but with less richness.

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

You can prep most of it ahead – cook your pasta and chicken, then store both separately. When ready to eat, sauté the shallots and corn, combine all ingredients, and heat through. This makes for quick reheating and fresher texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for again and again because it’s comforting, satisfying, and so straightforward. I hope it becomes a favorite for you too — a dependable, delicious meal when you want something cozy, creamy, and full of flavor, just like I do after a long day.