SPINACH AND BACON MAC AND CHEESE

Spinach and Bacon Mac and Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese goes upscale, featuring bow-tie pasta, bacon and spinach. This delicious dish can serve six in just 25 minutes.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (8 oz)
1/2 lb sliced bacon, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 bag (6 oz) fresh baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

Steps:

In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Return to Dutch oven; cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until crisp; remove to paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings.
In 3-quart saucepan, heat butter and reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in flour, salt and pepper with whisk until smooth. Stir in milk; heat to boiling. Stir in cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
Pour cheese sauce over pasta; stir until coated. Stir in spinach. Reserve 1/4 cup of the bacon; stir remaining bacon into pasta mixture. Divide pasta mixture among 6 serving bowls; garnish with reserved bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (1 Cup), Sodium 810 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1/2 g