Pasta dinners are perfect.  As long as they have a good protein alongside, you have a complete meal.

Dinners with pasta are yummy if you are a pasta lover as I am.  They are usually easy and cheap.

This pasta meal is fast and easy and sort of like a grown-up macaroni and cheese.

It is actually pretty with the different colored pasta.

Everything is done in the broiler, which is high heat at a close range.  I burnt my bacon right at the end, so be sure to keep a good eye on it.

You can’t go wrong with bacon and cheese and then add chicken and pasta…YUM!  The recipe calls for spinach and tomato farfalle, but I found some with other flavors as well.  You can use regular or wheat if you prefer.  Making it your own is never a bad thing to do.

Chicken-Bacon Bowtie Bake

Recipe Adapted From Family Circle

1 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast – 12 OZ (Use the rest of the chicken from package for chicken sandwiches!)

4-5 Slices Bacon (The orginal recipe calls for turkey bacon.  Uhm, no thanks.  Uhm, no likey!)

1 lb Bowtie Pasta (Any flavor or plain that you prefer.)

2 Tablespoons AP Flour

2 Cups Milk (Original recipe calls for fat free.  Use what you have in the refrigerator.)

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)

3/4 Teaspoon Garlic Salt

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1 1/4 Cup Mexican Cheese

Directions:

Heat broiler. Coat a 2-quart broiler-proof baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Place chicken breast on greased broiler pan and broil 4 inches from flame for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature registers 160 degrees F. Remove to plate and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Keep warm.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon about 5 minutes until crisp. Chop and reserve. (You can chop it first.  I think it is easier.)
Cook pasta following package directions, about 12 minutes. Drain.
Stir flour into milk and combine with soup and garlic salt in a medium-size saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes until thickened; stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese.
Return pasta to pot and stir in chicken and soup mixture.Spoon into prepared baking dish and top with bacon and remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Broil 4 inches from flame for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated and lightly browned on top. Serve immediately.