Easy One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon

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This creamy one-pot corn pasta with bacon is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines sweet corn, savory bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce. Use fresh or frozen corn and garnish with basil and parsley for a family favorite.

Creamy corn pasta with bacon in a skillet on a table.

You'll also love my one pot pasta with peas, creamy mushroom pasta and roasted red pepper pasta.

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⭐️ Why this recipe works

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required, making it convenient and hassle-free.
  • Versatile: Can be made with either fresh or frozen corn.
  • Flavorful: Combines the sweetness of corn with the savory taste of bacon and a creamy sauce.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Garnished with fresh basil and parsley, it's a hit for kids and adults.

🧾 Ingredient notes

  • Spaghetti: Forms the base of the dish, absorbs the creamy sauce well.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture.
  • Fresh or Frozen Corn: Provides sweetness and a bit of crunch, adaptable to what's on hand.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the creaminess and adds a salty, umami flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides a fragrant, aromatic base.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • Basil: Fresh garnish that adds a bright, herbaceous note.
  • Parsley: Another fresh garnish that adds color and mild, fresh flavor.

For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

Corn pasta recipe step-by-step

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    • In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté Aromatics:
    • Add olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Cook Corn:
    • Stir in the corn and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until tender. If using frozen corn, cook until heated through.
Cooking process step one of creamy one pot pasta with corn.
Cooking process of making one pot corn pasta.
  1. Add Liquid Ingredients:
    • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  2. Cook Pasta:
    • Add the spaghetti to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  3. Finish with Cheese:
    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine and Garnish:
    • Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and mix well. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and parsley.

💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.

  • Cooking the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy to add a perfect crunchy texture.
  • Simmering: Ensure the sauce simmers gently to prevent it from curdling.
  • Stirring Pasta: Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
  • Adjusting Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth or pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Garnishing: Fresh basil and parsley, add a burst of flavor and color, and sprinkle just before serving.
Creamy corn and bacon pasta in a sauce pan with parsley.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

📖 Substitutions and variations

  • Extra protein: Add in chicken or shrimp
  • Bacon Substitutes: For a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon.
  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta.
  • Extra Veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for more nutrition and color.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Did you make this creamy corn pasta recipe? Please leave a star rating below, and be sure to tag me when you share a photo on social media—I love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!

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You can also find weekly meal plans and budget recipes on our sister site Savvy Bites.

Creamy corn and bacon pasta in a sauce pan with parsley.

Easy One Pot Creamy Corn Pasta

This creamy one-pot corn pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Use fresh or frozen corn for convenience. The savory bacon and sweet corn blend in a rich sauce, garnished with basil and parsley for a family favorite.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

Sauté Aromatics:

  • Add olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Cook Corn:

  • Stir in the corn and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until tender. If using frozen corn, cook until heated through.

Add Liquid Ingredients:

  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook Pasta:

  • Add the spaghetti to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Finish with Cheese:

  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Garnish:

  • Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and mix well. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and parsley.

Notes

  • Bacon Substitutes: For a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon.
  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Add-Ins: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: Fresh corn adds a nice crunch, but frozen corn is just as good and convenient.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 332mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1000IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1.5mg
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Meet the Chef!

Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.

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