Chicken and Bacon Fiesta Ranch Ziti - Pasta

Method

• First, put a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions.
• When its done, drain the pasta and set aside.
• At the same time, get the bacon cooking over medium heat in a large skillet.
• While the bacon is cooking, cut the raw chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Once the bacon is well browned and crispy, place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the fat.
• Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat, and put the chicken into the skillet.
• Brown the chicken until done, about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken into a large bowl, leaving the juices in the skillet.
• With the heat still at medium, add the olive oil and milk to the skillet, whisking while you do so.
• Sprinkle in the flour and dip mix, continuing to whisk.
• Cook until it begins to thicken, then add the chicken.
• Pick up the bacon inside of the paper towels, crumple the towels together to crush the bacon into small pieces, and add it to the skillet.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heat until it has completely melted.
• Add the pasta into the sauce and mix to combine.
• If desired, garnish with additional Parmesan and watch the family come back for seconds!