Instead of Alfredo sauce, top your pasta with chicken, Parmesan cheese, and ranch salad dressing mix. Throw in some bacon for added flavor.

• 6 slices bacon
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ranch dry salad dressing mix
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 3 cups dried medium noodles
• 1 tablespoon finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Cut bacon into narrow strips. In a large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings.
2. In the same skillet cook chicken in reserved drippings until tender and no longer pink, turning to brown evenly. Sprinkle flour and salad dressing mix over the chicken in the skillet; stir well. Stir in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Stir in bacon. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Serve chicken mixture with noodles; sprinkle with Parmesan

. Makes: 4 servings