Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

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  Pasta, Shells, Whole Wheat, Dry(227g)
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  2% Milk(480g)
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  Flour, All-Purpose, White(30g)
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  Bacon
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  Yellow Onion
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  Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(567g)

  Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.

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  3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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  Garlic powder(5g)
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  Onion powder(5g)
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  1 teaspoon dried dill weed
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  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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  Cayenne Pepper, Ground(1g)
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  Greek Yogurt (2%)(160g)

  Plain Greek yogurt — nonfat (0%) or low-fat (2%). Not regular yogurt.

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  Mozzarella Cheese(120g)

  Part-skim mozzarella. Pre-shredded bags are convenient for meal prep.

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  Cheddar Cheese(120g)
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  Parmesan Cheese(60g)

  Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

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  Peas, Sweet, Frozen(240g)
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  Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. 1Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiled salted water until al dente. RESERVE 1 CUP OF THE COOKING LIQUID (don't forget!). Drain and set aside.
2. 2Meanwhile, using a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together 1/2 cup of the milk and the flour. Keep near the stove.
3. 3Heat a Dutch oven or other large, sturdy pot over medium-low heat. Add the bacon and let cook until it is crisp and the fat has rendered, about 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from the pan.
4. 4Increase the heat to medium high. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the chicken. Sauté until the onion is beginning to soften and the chicken is cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove to the plate with the bacon (get all of the chicken out of the pot, but don’t worry if there is some onion still in the bottom).
5. 5Reduce the pot heat to medium. Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk the spices to heat them, then immediately pour in the milk mixture. Cook, whisking constantly, for 30 seconds, until the mixture looks a little golden and is smooth.
6. 6Slowly add the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk, whisking constantly to remove any lumps. Bring to a simmer and let cook, whisking very frequently, until thickened and creamy, 7 to 10 minutes.
7. 7Remove the pot from the heat and let cool a minute or two. Stir in the Greek yogurt, Mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan.
8. 8To the pot, add the cooked pasta, the reserved chicken, onions, bacon, and peas.
9. 9If the pasta sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen it. Serve hot, sprinkled with herbs as desired.