CHEESY BACON PENNE

Cheesy Bacon Penne image

This satisfying classic gets its flair by mixing in two of the best foods around: bacon and garlic!-Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups 2% milk
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute garlic in butter for 1 minute. Stir in flour and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted. Remove from the heat. , Drain pasta; add pasta and 1/3 cup bacon to cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon. , Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402 calories, Fat 24g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 708mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 22g protein.