SPINACH & BACON MAC 'N CHEESE

Spinach & Bacon Mac 'n Cheese image

Provided by Jennifer Bass

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 11

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3 c uncooked bow-tie pasta (8 oz.)
1/2 lb bacon, sliced into ine-inch pieces
2 Tbsp butter
2 clove garlic, finely minced
2 small onions, finely chopped
1/4 c all-purpose flour
salt & pepper, to taste
2 c milk
2 c shredded, mild or sharp cheddar cheese
6 oz fresh spinach leaves
cherry tomatoes, for garnish, optional

Steps:

1. In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Return to Dutch oven; cover to keep warm.
2. 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.
3. In 3-quart saucepan, heat butter and reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic and onion; cook for 1-2 minutes 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.
4. 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.
5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, or sliced baby bella mushrooms.