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This mouthwatering dish blends smooth, velvety cheeses with crunchy bacon bits and juicy chicken chunks in a decadent pasta creation. Ranch seasoning gives it fantastic flavor while the penne catches all that luscious sauce.
Key Components
- Penne pasta: Go for the ones with ridges to grab more sauce
- Chicken breasts: Cut them into same-sized pieces for perfect cooking
- Bacon: Pick the thicker slices for better crunch
- Ranch seasoning: Don't skimp - use the entire packet
- Cream cheese: Regular fat content makes the creamiest sauce
- Cheddar: The stronger kind adds more punch
- Garlic: Chop it yourself instead of buying pre-minced
- Onion: Tiny pieces will melt into the sauce
Directions
- Getting Pasta Ready
- Boil penne 2 minutes short of what the box says. Save 1 cup of the water before draining. Splash with cold water to keep from clumping.
- Preparing Bacon
- Cut bacon into small chunks. Fry in big pot over medium heat until crisp, around 8 minutes. Take out with slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of drippings.
- Working on Chicken
- Add plenty of seasoning to your chicken pieces. Cook them in the bacon fat until golden brown, taking about 5-7 minutes. Set aside once done.
- Starting Flavor Base
- Cook onions in same pot until clear. Toss in garlic, stir for 30 seconds until you can smell it.
- Building the Sauce
- Pour in broth, scraping up any stuck bits. Mix in softened cream cheese until it disappears. Add sour cream and ranch mix. Let bubble until it thickens a bit.
- Putting It All Together
- Mix chicken and bacon back in. Add pasta with gentle stirring. Slowly mix in cheddar until melty. Splash in some pasta water if it needs thinning.
- Checking Heat
- Make sure sauce hits 165°F for safety reasons. Let it sit 2-3 minutes to get thicker.
- Adding Final Touches
- Sprinkle remaining bacon and green onions on top. Eat while hot.
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Keeping It Fresh
- Keeps in fridge for 3 days max
- Warm up slowly with a little milk added
- Pop single servings in freezer for up to 2 months
- Move from freezer to fridge night before eating
Health Perks
- Packed with protein to keep muscles strong
- Carbs give you lasting energy
- Loaded with calcium for stronger bones
- Dairy adds B-vitamins that boost your metabolism
Tasty Twists
- Mexican: Throw in taco spices and some chopped jalapeños
- Italian: Mix with Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes
- Buffalo: Splash in hot sauce and crumble some blue cheese
- Vegetable: Toss in some broccoli florets and fresh spinach
Nutrient Breakdown
- Great balance between proteins and carbs
- Filled with calcium and vitamin D
- Gives you plenty of B vitamins
- Contains healthy fats your body needs
Perfect Pairings
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad
- Throw in some buttery garlic bread
- Add a side of roasted veggies
- Enjoy with a chunk of crusty bread
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This dish works wonders for busy weeknights and family gatherings. The mix of rich sauce, soft chicken pieces, and crispy bacon bits makes for a comfort food everyone can't wait to dig into.
Common Questions
- → Could I use a different pasta shape?
- Totally! Rotini, farfalle, or fusilli are great options for this dish.
- → Is it possible to make this in advance?
- Yes, just store it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
- → What if I want to swap the bacon for turkey bacon?
- Go ahead! Turkey bacon is a lighter, delicious option here.
- → What’s an easy swap for ranch seasoning?
- Combine a mix of dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley to recreate that ranch flavor.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- Freezing isn’t ideal since cream-based sauces can separate after thawing.