As I have mentioned before, I like to prepare a large batch of chicken in the slow cooker to use during the week for quick meal prep.  I love knowing I have a protein cooked and ready to go for any number of meals through out the week!  PLUS, I end up with a nice stash of stock for soups and chicken chili!  Even better, if you have leftover cooked meat after a few days, just toss it in the freezer for later!

I gave this new recipe a try and it received RAVE reviews from both kids!  All I have to do is mention pasta, and I have my kid’s full attention for any meal.  This is very quick to put together, requires no special ingredients and is very kid friendly.  Use a rotisserie chicken to save some time and serve with a salad for a nice balanced meal.

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What you need:

• 1 lb Penne pasta (or other short cut pasta)
• 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
• 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
• 1 c. ranch dressing (regular or light)
• 2 t. ranch dressing powder/mix
• 1/2 t. cracked black pepper
• 6 slices chopped cooked bacon
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

Make it:

• Preheat oven to 350° F
• Cook the bacon until crisp and chop into bite size pieces (I prefer to bake mine in the oven)
• Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water until JUST soft.  Do not over cook or your pasta will become mushy since it is also baked
• While pasta is cooking, mix Alfredo, ranch, seasonings, and chicken.
• Drain pasta and mix into Alfredo/chicken mixture
• Pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish
• Top with shredded cheese and cooked bacon
• Bake, uncovered for 25 Minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

The leftovers reheat wonderfully and taste even better the next day.

Recipe adapted from HERE

More Kid Friendly Meals:

Easy Pizza Roll

Simple Crock Pot Spaghetti