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This mouthwatering pasta combines velvety cheese blends, crunchy bacon bits, and soft chicken chunks in one decadent dish. Ranch seasonings boost the flavor while the penne catches all that smooth, rich sauce.
Key Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Go for textured ones that grab sauce better
- Chicken breasts: Cut them the same size so they cook evenly
- Bacon: The thicker slices work best for texture
- Ranch seasoning: Don't skimp, use the entire packet
- Cream cheese: Regular fat content makes the creamiest sauce
- Cheddar: Pick sharp kinds for extra flavor punch
- Garlic: Chop it fresh instead of using jarred stuff
- Onion: Tiny pieces will blend right into the sauce
Instructions
- Getting The Pasta Ready
- Boil penne for 2 minutes less than what the box says. Save a cup of the cooking water. Drain and cool with cold water so it won't stick together.
- Preparing The Bacon
- Cut bacon into small chunks. Fry in a big pot over medium heat till crispy, about 8 minutes. Take out with a slotted spoon, keeping 1 tablespoon of the fat.
- Making The Chicken
- Season your chicken cubes well. Cook them in the bacon fat until golden, taking about 5-7 minutes. Set them aside when done.
- Building Flavor Base
- Cook onions in the same pot until see-through. Toss in garlic, cook for 30 seconds until you can smell it.
- Whipping Up The Sauce
- Pour in broth, scraping up any brown bits. Mix in softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and ranch mix. Let it bubble until it thickens a bit.
- Putting It All Together
- Put chicken and bacon back in. Add pasta and mix carefully. Slowly stir in cheddar until melty. Splash in pasta water if it's too thick.
- Checking Safety
- Make sure sauce hits 165°F for safe eating. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to get thicker.
- Adding Final Touches
- Sprinkle with saved bacon bits and green onions. Eat right away.
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Storage Methods
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Warm up slowly with a bit of milk added
- Pop single servings in the freezer for up to 2 months
- Let frozen portions thaw in the fridge overnight
Dietary Benefits
- Loaded with protein that helps maintain muscles
- The pasta provides lasting energy
- Dairy components support stronger bones
- B vitamins from dairy help your body process food
Flavor Variations
- Mexican: Throw in taco mix and some chopped jalapeños
- Italian: Swap for Italian herbs and add some sun-dried tomatoes
- Buffalo: Mix in buffalo hot sauce and crumbled blue cheese
- Vegetable: Toss in some broccoli florets and fresh spinach
Nutritional Profile
- Good balance between proteins and carbs
- Packed with calcium and vitamin D
- Gives you plenty of B vitamins
- Contains healthy fats your body needs
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad
- Put some garlic bread on the side
- Add a portion of roasted veggies
- Bring crusty bread to mop up sauce
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Works wonders for busy weeknights and family gatherings. The mix of silky sauce, juicy chicken chunks, and crisp bacon bits makes this dish impossible to resist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the pasta shape?
- Totally, use rotini, bow ties, or spiral pasta—anything medium-sized works great.
- → Is it okay to prep this in advance?
- Sure, just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it with some milk to bring back the creamy texture.
- → Can turkey bacon be used instead?
- Absolutely, turkey bacon is a lighter option and works well here.
- → What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
- Mix together garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, and dill to make your own version.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- It’s not the best idea since creamy sauces tend to separate after freezing and thawing.