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I stumbled upon this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Penne during a hectic time when I needed quick but filling dinners. The mix of soft pasta, tangy cream cheese, zesty ranch and crunchy bacon makes an addictive dish that's now my family's top request. Whenever I bring it to the table, the dish gets completely emptied and everyone wants to know how I made it.
What Makes This Dish So Addictive
There's something wonderful about how these basic ingredients work together. The rich sauce coats each pasta piece while the crispy bacon gives that needed crunch. It's turned into my favorite meal for both rushed weekdays and fancy 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 sauce so well
- Bacon: I cut it up before frying for better crispiness
- Chicken Breast: Diced small so it cooks faster
- Yellow Onion: Gives a nice sweet flavor when cooked down
- Fresh Garlic: This really makes the dish pop, don't use powder
- Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of our tasty sauce
- Cream Cheese: Take it out early to soften up nicely
- Ranch Packet: The hidden flavor bomb that makes it special
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting
- Green Onions: Adds that fresh pop of color on top
Let's Get Cooking
- Boil your pasta:
- Get that water rolling and cook the penne just right. I always keep some pasta water aside in case we need to thin the sauce later.
- Crisp up bacon:
- While pasta's cooking, get that bacon nice and crispy. The aroma always draws everyone into the kitchen.
- Cook the chicken:
- Toss your seasoned chicken bits in some bacon fat. This really builds amazing flavor.
- Mix the sauce:
- Here's where everything comes together into that creamy, dreamy goodness.
Cooking Tricks I've Learned
After whipping this up tons of times, I've picked up some handy tips. Make sure your cream cheese sits out for a bit, it'll mix in way better. And don't wash your pasta after draining, that starchy coating helps the sauce stick nicely.
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Twist It Your Way
I sometimes toss in some mushrooms or add fresh spinach right at the end. My girl loves extra cheese sprinkled on top while my boy adds a few drops of hot sauce to his plate. That's what's great about this meal - it's so easy to customize.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
This pasta stays good in the fridge for several days. Just pop it in a sealed container and warm it up slowly. Adding a tiny splash of milk helps bring back that smooth, creamy texture we all love.
Saving For Later
I usually make extra and freeze portions for those crazy busy days. Let it cool all the way, then put it in freezer containers. It warms up beautifully and tastes just as good as when it's fresh.
Take It To Gatherings
This has become my favorite dish to bring to potlucks and family dinners. I get everything ready beforehand and just heat it up when we get there. People can't stop asking for seconds.
Switch Things Up
Don't worry about sticking to penne - try rotini or shells, they work great too. Sometimes I use turkey bacon instead or throw in fancy pancetta for special occasions.
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Cooking For Many
You can easily double this for bigger parties. Just make sure your pot's big enough and remember that the sauce gets thicker as it sits, so keep some of that pasta water nearby.
Trimming Calories
On healthier days I grab reduced-fat cream cheese and switch to turkey bacon. Throwing in more veggies helps too, and nobody can tell the difference. It stays creamy and tasty all the same.
Get Ready Early
You can cut everything up the day before and even cook the bacon ahead of time. Having stuff ready to go makes this quick dinner even faster when you're in a rush.
Tasty Sides
We love eating this with a basic green salad or some oven-roasted broccoli. Warm garlic bread is always a hit too for scooping up any sauce left on your plate.
Last Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Penne has brought so much happiness to my dinner table. From crazy weeknights to special occasions, it always hits the spot. I hope it becomes a family favorite at your house just like it has at mine.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes it called crack chicken pasta?
The name comes from its addictive taste! The combo of creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and lots of cheese makes it hard to stop eating.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s better fresh, but you can prep ingredients earlier. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to smooth out the sauce.
- → What other pastas can I use?
You can swap penne for rotini, bowties, or shells. Cook them until they’re just tender following package directions.
- → How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for three days max. Add a little milk when reheating to fix the thickened sauce.
- → Any tips to lighten it up?
Swap in turkey bacon, low-fat cream cheese, or reduced-fat cheddar. It’s lighter but still keeps great flavor.