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My family goes crazy for this Chicken Bacon Penne dish. I whipped it up one hectic evening when I needed something fast yet filling. The blend of soft pasta covered in creamy sauce with juicy chicken chunks and crunchy bacon makes everyone ask for seconds.
A Dish You'll Want Tonight
Your family will finish every last bite, I guarantee it. I've cooked this countless times for regular dinners and gatherings, and there's never anything left. The cream cheese wraps everything in this warm hug of flavor while the ranch mix gives that extra zing that keeps forks coming back.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: Those little grooves grab all the yummy sauce.
- Bacon: Adds that smoky taste and nice crunch I can't get enough of.
- Chicken Breast: Chop them into small chunks so they cook faster.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for better melting.
- Ranch Seasoning: The hidden touch that makes everything taste amazing.
- Garlic and Onion: They build that tasty foundation.
- Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These two make everything super smooth.
- Chicken Broth: Gives the sauce extra depth.
How to Make It
- Begin With Pasta
- Boil water and cook your penne until it's done but still slightly firm.
- Cook Your Bacon
- Fry until it's extra crispy and keep that flavorful fat for cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Cook it in the bacon fat for extra yumminess.
- Whip Up the Sauce
- Blend everything until smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Mix Everything
- Combine your pasta, chicken and bacon in that rich sauce and let the flavors mingle.
Store It Right
Stick leftovers in the fridge and they'll taste great for up to 4 days. Want to save some for later? Divide it into containers and freeze for about 2 months. When you're hungry again, heat it slowly with a bit of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
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Try These Twists
I sometimes use turkey instead of chicken when that's all I've got. My kids don't mind when I sneak in some broccoli or spinach - they don't even complain about eating veggies. Lately I've started trying different cheese blends - pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick my husband can't resist.
Stress-Free Dinner Option
Weeknights can be total chaos. This meal has come to my rescue many times when dinner needs to happen fast. Everything cooks in one pot and there's hardly any cleanup, which means I actually get to sit down and enjoy time with my family.
Perfect Side Pairings
We usually have a basic green salad alongside this pasta. Sometimes I'll throw together some quick garlic bread to mop up the leftover sauce. My daughter always wants steamed broccoli with hers, and honestly, they go together perfectly.
Kids Love It Too
Even my fussiest child finishes everything when I make this. The classic pasta and cheese combo wins them over every single time. My son loves adding extra cheese on top, and my daughter has started helping me cook it - it's become our special bonding activity.
Round Out Your Dinner
The greatest thing about this meal is how it goes with easy sides. I normally toss together a quick salad using whatever greens I have. When we're extra hungry, I'll add some crusty bread or those frozen garlic knots that taste homemade after warming them up.
Make It Ahead
I like getting everything ready in the morning when I know our evening will be busy. The sauce actually tastes better after sitting a while. Just don't forget to stir it well and maybe add a splash of milk when warming it up to keep that smooth texture we all crave.
Crowd Pleaser
This meal has become legendary in our home and among our friends. The mix of pasta, creamy sauce and those tiny bacon bits makes everyone smile. After trying it at our last neighborhood party, my neighbor begged for the instructions.
Better The Next Day
I think leftovers might taste even yummier sometimes. I take them for lunch and my workmates always wonder what smells so good. The flavors just keep getting better and that creamy sauce stays rich and tasty.
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Why We Can't Get Enough
This meal brings together everything I love about comfort food. The way the sauce sticks to each pasta piece, those crunchy bacon bits, and how it all combines into something you can't stop eating. It's turned into one of those meals that just feels like coming home.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What’s cold water rinsing for?
- It cools the pasta, stops cooking, and keeps it from turning mushy. It also stops it from sticking together while you work on the sauce.
- → Why save some bacon grease?
- Using about a tablespoon brings more flavor into your dish. The grease adds a smoky bacon taste to the chicken and sauce.
- → Are there pasta alternatives to penne?
- Totally! Use shapes like rotini, bow ties, or fusilli. As long as it holds sauce, it’ll work nicely.
- → Why dice the chicken small?
- Bite-sized chicken cooks fast and evenly. Plus, it makes it easy to get chicken in every bite with the pasta.
- → Can I prep this dish ahead?
- It’s best fresh, but leftovers store perfectly in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.