Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Pasta with Bacon

This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh zucchini in a creamy sauce served over pasta. The balance of flavors and textures makes this a comforting yet slightly creative take on a traditional chicken pasta dish, perfect for a family dinner. It's rich, satisfying, and incorporates a variety of ingredients to keep it interesting.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the chopped onion and sliced zucchini to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the zucchini is tender.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing to combine and heat through.
8. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.