Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 16 oz penne pasta (cooked)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • ⅓ cup bacon bits
  • 2 chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound, boneless, skinless, diced bite size)
  • ⅓ cup diced onion
  • 1 oz Ranch seasoning dressing
  • 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded Mozzarella

Instruction

  • Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for a future step.
  • Dice the chicken breasts into small pieces.
  • Heat a deep saucepan over medium heat. I used a 7-quart pot. Add in chicken and onions, cooking until chicken is no longer pink and onions are soft. Add bacon and cook until crisp.
  • Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken, bacon and onions.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, add 1 more tablespoon of butter and the flour to the pot and stir until incorporated.
  • Next, add in the 1 cup of reserved pasta water (or chicken broth). Mix until combined.
  • Add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Top with the shredded cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
  • If desired you can crumble additional bacon over the top of your serving plates and sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese too. Serve fresh and warm, enjoy!