Description
The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. While it tastes like you’ve spent hours crafting restaurant-quality cuisine, the reality is delightfully different. With just one pot and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create this soul-satisfying dish that brings people together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Fresh Elements:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Substitution Suggestions: For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free penne for celiac-friendly dining, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to reduce calories, or swap turkey bacon for traditional bacon. Vegetarians can omit the chicken and bacon, adding extra mushrooms or cauliflower florets for substance.
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy liquid will help create the perfect sauce consistency later.
While pasta cooks, place bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes, turning once. The bacon should render its fat beautifully, creating those irresistible crispy bits. Remove bacon to paper towels, then crumble once cooled. Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the reserved bacon fat (or olive oil if needed) over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese to the chicken. Stir gently until the cream cheese begins to melt and coat the chicken. This creates the foundation for your incredibly rich sauce.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the creamy chicken mixture, tossing gently to coat every piece. Fold in three-quarters of the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, creating strings of delicious goodness in every bite.
Remove from heat and garnish with remaining bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped green onions. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g