Spinach And Bacon Mac 'n Cheese

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

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

Recipe

• 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; 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.
• 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.