Step 1

Prep: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for a future step.

Step 2

Then, dice the chicken breasts into small pieces to prepare for cooking. If you are using fresh bacon for the bacon bits, fry your bacon or bake itin the oven. Try this recipe for the easiestway to cook bacon.

Step 3

After that, heat a separate deep saucepan (I used a 7-quart pot) over medium heat.

Step 4

Cooking time: If you are using packaged bacon bits, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the heated saucepan. Then add in the bacon bits and stir for up to 2 minutes. If you have made fresh bacon bits, hang tight on this step.

Step 5

If desired, you can add in 1/3 cup of diced onions at this point and cook until translucent (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 6

Add the chicken pieces to the saucepan and sprinkle with the ranch dressing mix. Cook the chicken over medium heat while stirring, to cook evenly. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in color, this should take 7-9 minutes for small chunks.

Step 7

Make the roux: 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) and mix again until fully combined.

Step 8

Assembly: Now, stir in your cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Then, add in the shredded cheese and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 9

Lastly, add in the freshly made bacon bits and stir to thoroughly distribute throughout the entire pasta dish. 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!