Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon Tomato Penne?
It is a delightful pasta dish that combines crispy bacon with fresh cherry tomatoes and a creamy sauce made from chive and onion-infused cream cheese.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 6 cups of cooked penne pasta.
How much bacon do I need?
You will need 1 lb of bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe recommends using one 8-ounce container of Chive and Onion flavor cream cheese for the best flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta?
There are 633 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 40g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 22g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 54g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be cut in half before being sautรฉed in the skillet.
Do I need to drain the bacon grease?
Yes, drain most of the grease, but leave a small amount in the skillet for extra flavor when sautรฉing the tomatoes.
How do I make the sauce creamy and smooth?
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese and milk, mixing until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes bubbly.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese after the pasta and bacon have been thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Can I use plain cream cheese instead of Chive and Onion flavor?
You can use plain cream cheese, but you may want to add your own herbs or seasonings to match the intended flavor profile.
How long should I sautรฉ the tomatoes?
Sautรฉ the halved cherry tomatoes for about 1 minute until they just begin to soften.
What size should the bacon pieces be?
The bacon should be chopped into 1/2-inch pieces after it has cooled.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a weeknight meal because it is quick to prepare and serve.
Can I add extra garnish to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the served pasta with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: bacon, chive and onion cream cheese, milk, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and penne pasta.
How much milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk to help create the creamy sauce.
Should the cream cheese be softened before use?
Yes, softening the cream cheese helps it melt more quickly and evenly into the sauce.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is described as a bowl of comfort and a satisfying meal for friends and family.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar info?
The nutritional data provided lists fiber and sugar as null for this specific recipe entry.
Can I substitute the penne with another pasta?
While penne is the standard, other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni would also work well with the creamy sauce.
What heat should I use to cook the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked over medium heat until it is crisp.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the bacon in a large skillet until it is crisp.
How do I ensure the bacon isn't too greasy?
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat before chopping.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for a cozy gathering with friends and family.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features al dente penne pasta coated in a smooth, bubbly, creamy cheese sauce with crispy bacon highlights.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the Creamy Bacon Tomato Penne immediately after preparation.