I have posted a recipe before for Baked Macaroni and Cheese.  It can be a great side dish, and my kids request it on special occasions.  Once and awhile I like to dress it up a little.  A few days ago, my kids were asking if we could make it and I said we could.  So I decided to make a different version and it was delicious.  We simply added chopped chicken breast and chopped bacon.

Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

1 14-16 Ounce Box of Penne Pasta (Cooked and Drained)

12 Ounces Velveeta(Cubed)

1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese(Shredded)

1 Cup Italian Blend Cheese(Shredded)

1/4 Cup Butter

16 Ounces Half and Half

1 Large Chicken Breast(cooked and chopped)

5 Slices of Thick Cut Bacon(cooked, drained, and chopped)

First, preheat your oven to 225.  Next, melt your butter in  a medium saucepan.  Once your butter is melted, slowly add the cubed Velveeta and the half and half, while stirring constantly.  Continue cooking over medium low heat until the Velveeta is thoroughly melted.

Remove from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheeses are well blended.

Now, evenly spread your cooked pasta mixed with your cubed chicken and bacon in an oven safe baking dish.  Next, pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in an oven safe baking dish.  Cover and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble on the sides of the baking dish and the Italian cheese has melted.

This will make enough for 6 people we served with a side of garlic bread and everyone was happy.  Next time I think I will add broccoli or mushrooms.  Just for a little something extra.