Day 341: BBQ Chicken Pasta with Bacon

Whew!  I've had a busy day already.  My hubby and I are in charge of our church's Christmas party tonight, so I've been trying to put that together.  Dinner for 175 people.  I'm glad I'm not doing all the cooking.  I love to cook, but that's ridiculous!  :)  Here is last night's dinner.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

BBQ Chicken Pasta with Bacon
12" dutch oven

1 pound penne or other short pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 pound bacon, chopped
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
1 red onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste (I used about 1/4 tsp.)
Green onions, bacon, and shredded cheese for garnish, if desired

Cook the bacon to a 12" dutch oven over a full spread of coals, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towel.  Add the chicken and red onion to the bacon grease in the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease and stir in the reserved bacon, barbecue sauce and sour cream. Once mixed, add in the shredded cheese. Add pasta and stir to combine; heat through.  Serve immediately.  Serves 6-8

The Finished Product

The Review

This one had me at bacon.  Its actually an unusual combination of ingredients that I never would have come up with myself, but it was really good.  I liked the kick the red pepper flakes added.  Even my hubby said I could make it again which is the same as saying its the best pasta dish ever.  Sounds like an A to me.