Tasty Chicken Pasta Dinner

Think about a pasta creation that's got it all – juicy chicken, crunchy bacon, and al dente penne, swimming in a velvety, ranch-flavored sauce. This Chicken Bacon Penne turns basic stuff from your pantry into an addictive pot of goodness that'll have your family rushing to grab a plate. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of tastes and textures that'll keep you coming back for seconds.

The first time this hit our dinner table, my family couldn't stop circling the pot, snagging bacon bits and asking "Can we eat yet?" That's when I knew we'd found our new go-to comfort dinner. Now they ask for it almost every week.

Must-Have Ingredient Breakdown

• Chunky bacon strips: Go for good quality bacon that won't shrink away and adds that smoky punch to your dish
• Chicken without bones: Juicy thighs pack more flavor than breasts, but you can't go wrong with either
• Dry ranch mix: This is what makes it so darn tasty - dump in the whole packet to get all that flavor
• Tube-shaped penne: The grooves and hollow middle grab onto all that yummy sauce
• Real block cream cheese: Skip the low-fat stuff for the creamiest, most luxurious sauce

Putting Your Pot of Goodness Together

Get That Bacon Going:

Begin with an unheated pan and slowly cook your bacon, getting every bit of taste from the fat. This builds the flavor foundation.

Brown That Chicken:

Cook your chicken chunks in the leftover bacon grease until golden on the outside but not fully done inside. They'll finish cooking later and stay super tender.

Add Your Pasta:

Toss in penne with enough broth to cover everything. Your pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the amazing flavors.

Make It Creamy:

Drop in small chunks of cream cheese, letting each bit fully melt before adding another. This keeps your sauce smooth with no lumps.

Cheese It Up:

Sprinkle in cheddar a handful at a time, stirring non-stop for that perfectly silky sauce.

Bring It All Together:

Mix the crispy bacon back in, letting it blend with the sauce while keeping that awesome crunch.

Pin it

After making this countless times, I've learned you can't rush the good stuff. Taking time to slowly cook down that bacon fat and gradually melt in the cheeses turns a basic pasta dinner into something your family won't stop talking about.

Watching Your Heat

Getting the temperature just right matters a ton. Too hot and your sauce might separate; too cool and your pasta won't cook right. Medium-low heat lets everything come together just the way you want it.

Prep Now, Cook Later

While it tastes best fresh from the pot, you can get stuff ready ahead: fry the bacon, cut up the chicken, and measure everything else. This way you can throw dinner together super fast when you're hungry.

What Goes Well With It

Balance out this hearty pasta with a simple green salad topped with tangy dressing. The sourness cuts through the rich sauce for a perfectly rounded meal. And nobody ever complained about some buttery garlic bread on the side!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for three days. When you warm it up, add a little splash of milk to bring back that silky sauce. The stove works better than the microwave for heating it evenly.

Pin it

After tweaking this dish through many family dinners, I've found its real power is how it brings folks together around the table. Whether it's just a regular Tuesday or you've got friends stopping by, this Chicken Bacon Penne makes mealtime something special. It shows that comfort food doesn't need fancy tricks to be amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called crack chicken penne?

The nickname comes from how incredibly addictive this mix of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese becomes when combined. You'll want seconds for sure!

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Any medium-sized pasta shape works fine. Just watch your cooking time based on what the package says.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It's tastiest when fresh, but you can keep leftovers in a sealed container for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.

→ Why use low sodium chicken broth?

You'll get plenty of salt from the ranch mix and cheese, so using low sodium broth keeps the dish from getting too salty.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

You can, but creamy pasta dishes don't always thaw well. The sauce texture might change, so it's better eaten fresh.