Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken breast (boneless and skinless): 500 grams
- Penne pasta: 400 grams
- Bacon slices: 150 grams
- Ranch seasoning: 50 grams
- Cream cheese: 100 grams
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Butter: 50 grams
- Fresh herbs (optional): Basil, oregano, rosemary
- Cheddar cheese (optional): 50 grams, shredded or diced
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large pot, boil water for the penne pasta. Add salt and cook until tender, then drain.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken breast and cook until fully cooked through. Remove and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and minced garlic. Mix well.
- Take a baking dish and spread the cooked penne pasta evenly at the bottom. Top with the chicken mixture.
- Arrange the crispy bacon slices on top. Add shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbling and slightly brown on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approx. 500-600 calories per serving (depending on additional toppings)
Fat: Approx. 25-35 grams
Carbohydrates: Approx. 45-60 grams (from pasta and cheese)
Protein: Approx. 30-40 grams (from chicken and bacon)
Fiber: Approx. 3-5 grams (from vegetables and whole grains in pasta)
Note: The nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and their quantities.
Dish Characteristics:
- A combination of American flavors, featuring ranch seasoning and bacon with penne pasta for a hearty dish.
- The dish is rich in protein and provides a balance of carbs and fats for a satisfying meal.
- The combination of textures from the crispy bacon, creamy chicken, and pasta makes it an enjoyable dish to eat.
- The dish is versatile and can be customized according to personal preferences by adding more cheese or other toppings.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on, and the pasta was cooked to perfection."
- "The bacon gave the dish a great crunchy texture that went well with the creamy chicken."
- "I added some extra cheese on top, and it was even better! This will be a regular dish at our house."
- "I loved how easy it was to make this dish, it was perfect for a weeknight meal."
- "This dish is definitely a crowd favorite! The ranch seasoning added a great flavor to the chicken."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. If possible, buy organic or high-quality ingredients to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste preferences. Add more ranch seasoning or salt if needed.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or use vegan bacon alternatives. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
