Pin it
This mouthwatering dish combines velvety cheese blends, crunchy bacon bits, and juicy chicken chunks in an ultra-rich pasta creation. The zesty ranch mix gives it wonderful flavor while the penne captures all that smooth, dreamy sauce.
Must-Have Components
- Penne pasta: Go for the ones with lines to grab more sauce
- Chicken breasts: Cut them the same size so they cook evenly
- Bacon: The thicker slices give you better crunch
- Ranch seasoning: Don't skimp, empty the entire packet
- Cream cheese: Regular fat makes the creamiest result
- Cheddar: Pick the tangy kind for more character
- Garlic: Chop it yourself, skip the jar stuff
- Onion: Tiny pieces that melt into the sauce
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation
- Boil penne 2 minutes under what the box says. Save 1 cup of the water. Drain and wash with cold water to keep from sticking together.
- Bacon Cooking
- Slice bacon into small chunks. Fry in a big pot over medium heat until crisp, roughly 8 minutes. Take out with a draining spoon, keeping 1 tablespoon of the fat.
- Chicken Development
- Add lots of seasoning to your chicken chunks. Cook them in the bacon drippings until golden brown, taking about 5-7 minutes. Set them aside when done.
- Aromatics Base
- Cook onions in the same pot until see-through. Toss in garlic, let it cook just 30 seconds until it smells good.
- Sauce Creation
- Pour in broth, scraping up the tasty bits from the bottom. Mix in soft cream cheese until it melts away. Add sour cream and ranch mix. Let it bubble until it thickens a bit.
- Final Assembly
- Put chicken and bacon back in. Add pasta with careful stirring. Mix in cheddar bit by bit until melty. Splash in pasta water if it's too thick.
- Temperature Check
- Make sure sauce gets to 165°F for safety. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to get thicker.
- Garnish Application
- Sprinkle saved bacon bits and green onions on top. Serve right away.
Pin it
Storage Methods
- Keeps in the fridge for 3 days max
- Warm up slowly with a bit of milk added
- Pop single servings in the freezer for up to 2 months
- Let frozen portions defrost in the fridge overnight
Dietary Benefits
- Loads of protein helps maintain strong muscles
- The pasta provides lasting energy
- Dairy components support strong bones
- B-vitamins in the dairy boost your metabolism
Flavor Variations
- Mexican: Throw in taco mix and spicy peppers
- Italian: Mix with Italian herbs and tomatoes
- Buffalo: Spice it up with hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles
- Vegetable: Toss in green veggies like broccoli or spinach
Nutritional Profile
- Good mix of proteins and carbs
- Plenty of calcium and vitamin D
- Packed with B vitamins
- Includes healthy fats your body needs
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad
- Make some toasted garlic bread too
- Add a side of oven-roasted veggies
- Bring out some warm crusty bread
Pin it
Great for busy weeknights or planning ahead. The mix of silky sauce, tender chicken pieces, and crispy bacon bits makes this an unforgettable comfort meal everyone will ask for again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I use a different pasta type?
- Sure, try rotini, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta for this dish.
- → How should I store the leftovers?
- Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- → Can I replace the bacon with turkey bacon?
- Of course, turkey bacon will work as a lighter swap.
- → What can I use in place of ranch seasoning?
- Blend some dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder as a homemade ranch mix.
- → Can I freeze this pasta meal?
- Not a great idea unless you don’t mind the cream sauce separating when thawed.