Easy Chicken Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto

Category: Pasta Recipes

This Chicken Corn Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy pesto sauce. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a picnic!

I find this salad so easy to whip up, and it stays yummy for days. Plus, who can resist bacon in a dish? It’s like a party in your mouth every time! 🎉

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Orecchiette works great for this salad because its shape holds onto the dressing and other ingredients nicely. You can easily switch it with bowtie, fusilli, or penne if you prefer something different.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a quick and lean choice, but feel free to use grilled chicken thighs for a juicier option. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well too and saves time!

Bacon: Who doesn’t love crispy bacon? If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute. You can also skip it entirely for a vegetarian salad.

Pesto: Homemade pesto brightens the dish, but store-bought works in a pinch. If you’re short on time, try using a different dressing like Italian or ranch, or simply mix fresh herbs with olive oil.

How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for My Salad?

Cooking chicken well is key to this salad. Here’s how to do it right!

  • Make sure to season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking for better flavor.
  • Heat the skillet over medium-high heat first. This ensures the chicken will brown nicely.
  • Let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side without moving it too much. This helps achieve a nice golden color.
  • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in and makes the chicken tender.

Easy Chicken Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto

How to Make Easy Chicken Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta and Protein:

  • 8 oz orecchiette or small pasta shapes
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices bacon

Fresh Veggies:

  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or cooked frozen corn)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Pesto Dressing:

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil (plus extra if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

To Season:

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and chilled for extra deliciousness!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and refresh it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside while you prepare the rest.

2. Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once it’s ready, carefully remove the bacon and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Leave a bit of the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor (you’ll use this to cook chicken!).

3. Cook the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same skillet where you cooked the bacon, add a splash of olive oil if needed, and place the chicken breasts in. Cook them over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Afterward, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them thinly.

4. Prepare the Pesto Dressing:

In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and the 1/3 cup of olive oil. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash more of olive oil or a teaspoon of water to loosen it up.

5. Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped bacon. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.

6. Add Chicken and Dressing:

Now, place the sliced chicken on top of your pasta mixture. Drizzle the creamy pesto dressing over everything and give it another gentle toss to combine.

7. Finish and Serve:

Lastly, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your delightful Chicken Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto!

Bon Appétit! 🥗🍴

Easy Chicken Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make This Recipe with Other Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any small pasta shape that you love, such as fusilli, penne, or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta.

Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?

Yes! This salad can be made ahead of time. You can prepare all the components, but it’s best to mix in the dressing just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh. If you do mix it in early, consider adding a bit more pesto right before serving to revive the flavors!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, separate the dressing if possible. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or gently reheat it on the stove!

Can I Substitute the Bacon for a Vegetarian Option?

Of course! You can either omit the bacon completely or substitute it with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar flavor profile. Additionally, you could use a plant-based bacon alternative if you prefer!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment