Ingredients

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or other pasta

Bacon:

• 12 slices  bacon  (diced into 1-2 inch pieces)

Chicken:

• 1.5-2 lbs  chicken  (cubed)
•  

Veggies:

• 1  green bell pepper  (diced)
• 1 medium  onion  (diced)
• 2 tablespoons  minced garlic 
• spinach

Cheesy Mixture:

• 3 tablespoons  butter 
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3 cups  milk
• 1 cup chicken broth 
• 1 package  Dry Ranch Mix  (optional)
• 1 package  (8oz) cream cheese  (room temperature)
• 3 cups  shredded Cheddar cheese
•  
• Toppings:

•  Cooked bacon 
• 1 cup  shredded cheddar cheese 

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.

Cook Bacon:

1. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter and cook the bacon, stirring frequently, until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside. Drain grease, leaving only about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.

Cook Chicken:

1. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, season with salt, pepper and paprika. Cook stirring frequently, until golden and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook Veggies:

1. Add diced onion, diced bell pepper, spinach and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cheesy Mixture:

1. In same skillet, on medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour with whisk until a paste forms.
2. Gradually stir in milk, beating with the whisk.
3. Stir in Ranch Mix if using.
4. Stir in cream cheese until fully combined.
5. Stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.

Combine:

1. In a large bowl combine: cooked pasta, chicken, veggies and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine and transfer to a 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
2. Top with the cooked bacon, 1 cup shredded cheese and sprinkle some bread crumbs on top if desired.

Bake:

1. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese is fully melted.