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A combination of creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and tender chicken creates this indulgent pasta dish. The ranch seasoning adds depth while penne pasta catches every bit of the velvety sauce.
Essential Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Choose ridged for better sauce adhesion
- Chicken breasts: Even-sized cubes ensure uniform cooking
- Bacon: Thick-cut provides better texture
- Ranch seasoning: Use whole packet for full flavor
- Cream cheese: Full-fat creates silkiest sauce
- Cheddar: Sharp variety adds depth
- Garlic: Fresh minced, not pre-packaged
- Onion: Fine dice disappears into sauce
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation
- Cook penne 2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup cooking water. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Bacon Cooking
- Chop bacon into ½-inch pieces. Cook in large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon grease.
- Chicken Development
- Season cubed chicken generously. Cook in bacon grease until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Aromatics Base
- Sauté onions in same pot until translucent. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauce Creation
- Add broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted. Mix in sour cream and ranch seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Final Assembly
- Return chicken and bacon. Add pasta, stirring gently. Fold in cheddar gradually until melted. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Temperature Check
- Ensure sauce reaches 165°F for food safety. Let thicken 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish Application
- Top with reserved bacon, green onions. Serve immediately.
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Storage Methods
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with splash of milk
- Freeze individual portions up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
Dietary Benefits
- High-protein content supports muscle maintenance
- Complex carbs provide energy
- Calcium supports bone health
- B-vitamins from dairy aid metabolism
Flavor Variations
- Mexican: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños
- Italian: Use Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes
- Buffalo: Add buffalo sauce, blue cheese
- Vegetable: Mix in broccoli, spinach
Nutritional Profile
- Balanced protein-to-carb ratio
- Rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Good source of B vitamins
- Contains beneficial fats
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with green salad
- Add garlic bread
- Include roasted vegetables
- Serve with crusty bread
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Perfect for meal prep and family dinners. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible comfort food classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, any medium pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle works well in this recipe.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- → Can I use turkey bacon?
- Yes, turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative to regular bacon.
- → What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
- Mix dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley as a ranch seasoning alternative.
- → Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- Not recommended as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and thawed.