Pasta Shells with Corn and Bacon
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this **Pasta Shells with Corn and Bacon** recipe is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender pasta shells are coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, infused with the sweetness of golden corn kernels and the irresistible smoky crunch of crispy bacon. A hint of garlic and buttery richness ties everything together, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish combines simple ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and bacon to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a quick indulgence, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease, making it a new favorite for your recipe collection!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- 6 slices bacon
- 1.5 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 16 cups water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cool, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Carefully remove any excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the chopped bacon, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces and chopped parsley on top for garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Pasta Shells with Corn and Bacon!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 195.1 g | 250% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.5 g | 512% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 492 mg | 164% | |
| Sodium | 4832 mg | 210% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 323.0 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.0 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.0 g | ||
| Protein | 137.1 g | 274% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 2062 mg | 159% | |
| Iron | 14.8 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 1297 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
