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This mouth-watering pasta combines velvety cheese blends, crunchy bacon bits, and juicy chicken chunks in one decadent dish. The zesty ranch flavoring gives it extra kick while the penne catches all that smooth, rich sauce.
Key Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Go for the ones with ridges to grab more sauce
- Chicken breasts: Cut them the same size so they cook evenly
- Bacon: Get the thick stuff for extra crunch
- Ranch seasoning: Don't skimp - use the entire packet
- Cream cheese: The regular kind makes the creamiest sauce
- Cheddar: Pick sharp for more flavor punch
- Garlic: Chop it yourself, skip the jarred stuff
- Onion: Chop it tiny so it melts into the sauce
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation
- Boil the penne 2 minutes under what the box says. Save a cup of the cooking water. Drain and run cold water over it so it won't stick together.
- Bacon Cooking
- Cut bacon into small chunks. Fry in a big pot over medium heat until crispy, around 8 minutes. Take out with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of the fat behind.
- Chicken Development
- Add plenty of seasoning to your chicken cubes. Cook them in the bacon fat until golden brown, roughly 5-7 minutes. Take them out and set aside.
- Aromatics Base
- Cook the onions in the same pot until see-through. Toss in garlic and cook for half a minute until you can smell it.
- Sauce Creation
- Pour in broth and scrape up all the tasty bits from the pot. Mix in softened cream cheese until it's all melted. Add sour cream and ranch seasoning. Let it bubble until it starts to thicken.
- Final Assembly
- Put the chicken and bacon back in. Add pasta and mix carefully. Slowly add cheddar while stirring until it's all melted. Splash in some pasta water if it gets too thick.
- Temperature Check
- Make sure the sauce hits 165°F for safety. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken up.
- Garnish Application
- Sprinkle some saved bacon bits and green onions on top. Serve right away.
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Storage Methods
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Add a bit of milk when warming it up
- Stick single servings in the freezer for up to 2 months
- Move from freezer to fridge the night before eating
Dietary Benefits
- Packed with protein to keep muscles strong
- The pasta gives you lasting energy
- Loads of calcium for healthy bones
- Dairy adds B-vitamins that boost your metabolism
Flavor Variations
- Mexican: Throw in taco mix and some spicy peppers
- Italian: Mix with Italian herbs and dried tomatoes
- Buffalo: Stir in hot sauce and crumbled blue cheese
- Vegetable: Toss in some green veggies like broccoli or spinach
Nutritional Profile
- Good balance of proteins and carbs
- Filled with calcium and vitamin D
- Gives you plenty of B vitamins
- Contains healthy fats your body needs
Serving Suggestions
- Throw a salad on the side
- Add some toasty garlic bread
- Serve with oven-roasted veggies
- Bring out some crunchy bread
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Works wonders for busy weeknights and family get-togethers. The mix of silky sauce, juicy chicken, and crisp bacon bits makes this comfort food that nobody can turn down.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Would other pasta types work?
- Of course! Shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta work great here.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
- Yep! Keep it in a sealed container for up to three days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to make it creamy again.
- → Will turkey bacon work here?
- Absolutely, turkey bacon is a lighter swap and still tastes great.
- → What’s a good ranch seasoning substitute?
- Blend dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley—it’s an easy DIY mix.
- → Can I freeze this meal?
- Not really advisable since cream sauces don’t hold up well after thawing.