Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 6 oz. dried pasta, macaroni or shells
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 package of bacon
• 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 c. milk, any fat content
• 1 pkg. Italian blend shredded cheese; divided
• 1 c. Monterey Jack shredded cheese or Colby-Jack blend, divided
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. dill
• 1 tsp. salt
• pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, leaving some drippings in the pan. Drain bacon on a paper towel. Add chicken to drippings, increase heat to medium-high and saute until no longer pink. Set aside.
3. Melt butter in the same pot you made the pasta in. Whisk in flour. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Add milk to saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for 2 minutes. Stir in most of the cheese. (Reserve a handful of each cheese blend to sprinkle on top of casserole.) Add pasta, spices, and chicken and stir to combine.
4. Spray 9�13″ baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer pasta to baking pan. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and reserved cheeses. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until thoroughly heated.