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I stumbled upon this Chicken Bacon Penne mix during a hectic time when I needed fast but filling dinners. The blend of soft pasta, tangy cream cheese, zesty ranch and crunchy bacon makes an unforgettable meal that's now the top request from my family. Whenever I bring it to the table, the dish gets emptied completely and folks always beg me for my secret.
What Makes This Dish Captivate Everyone
There's something wonderful about how these basic ingredients work together. The rich sauce coats every pasta piece while the crunchy bacon bits give that satisfying bite. It's turned into my favorite choice for rushed evenings and important get-togethers. Even the fussiest kids at my table finish everything when this shows up.
Your Shopping List
- Penne Pasta: Those little grooves hold all the creamy goodness perfectly
- Bacon: I slice mine up first for extra crunch all around
- Chicken Breast: Diced small so they cook up fast
- Yellow Onion: Brings amazing natural sweetness to the dish
- Fresh Garlic: This really matters for the best flavor
- Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of our yummy sauce
- Cream Cheese: Take it out early so it gets soft
- Ranch Packet: The hidden trick for amazing taste
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting
- Green Onions: Adds that nice fresh finish
Step By Step Guide
- Begin with pasta:
- Set your water to boil and cook that penne until perfectly tender. I always keep some pasta water aside in case we need to thin the sauce later.
- Bacon steps:
- As your pasta bubbles away, get that bacon nice and crispy. The aroma always draws everyone into the kitchen.
- Chicken prep:
- Cook your seasoned chicken chunks in some of that tasty bacon fat. This adds incredible depth to the dish.
- Mix the sauce:
- Now everything comes together into that smooth, heavenly mixture.
Tricks I've Learned
After whipping this up so many times, I've picked up some handy shortcuts. Make sure your cream cheese sits out a bit first for easier mixing. And skip rinsing your pasta since that starchy coating helps the sauce stick much better.
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Customize Your Bowl
I throw in mushrooms sometimes or toss some spinach in at the last minute. My girl wants extra cheese on hers while my boy adds hot sauce to kick it up. That's what's great about this meal – you can easily tweak it to match what everyone likes.
Keeping Leftovers
This pasta stays great in the fridge for several days. Just pop it in a sealed container and warm it up slowly when you want it. Adding a little milk helps bring back that smooth, creamy texture we all crave.
Saving For Later
I usually cook twice as much and save portions for those crazy busy days. Let everything cool down then pack it in freezer containers. It warms up wonderfully and tastes just as good as when you first made it.
Crowd Pleaser
This has turned into my reliable dish for community dinners and family events. I fix everything beforehand and just warm it through when we get there. People never stop asking for seconds.
Switch It Up
Don't worry about sticking to one pasta type – bow ties and shells catch the sauce just as well. Sometimes I use turkey bacon instead or add fancy pancetta for special occasions.
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Serving Many
You can easily double this recipe for bigger parties. Just grab a larger pot and remember that as it sits, the sauce gets thicker, so keep some of that starchy pasta water nearby.
Healthier Options
When I'm watching calories, I grab reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon. Throwing in more veggies helps too, and nobody can tell the difference. It's still super creamy and tasty.
Get Ready Early
You can cut everything up the day before and even cook your bacon ahead of time. Having stuff ready to go makes this quick dinner even faster when you're in a rush.
Side Dish Ideas
We like to eat this with a basic green salad or some oven-roasted broccoli on the side. Buttery garlic bread works great too for scooping up any sauce left on your plate.
Last Cooking Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Penne has added so much happiness to our mealtimes. From rushed weeknights to special family moments, it always hits the spot. I really hope it becomes a favorite in your home just like it has in ours.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Why is this called 'crack' pasta?
It's nicknamed crack pasta because it's unbelievably tasty! The mix of creamy ranch, melty cheese, and crispy bacon makes it totally irresistible.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
You could make parts of it earlier, but it tastes best fresh. If reheating, add some milk or cream to keep the sauce silky smooth.
- → Can I use another pasta shape?
Sure, switch it up with rotini, shells, or fusilli. Just cook them to al dente, following your package directions.
- → How should I store extras?
Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm it up with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat sour cream, cream cheese, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese. It’ll still be tasty but slightly less indulgent.