Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac 'n Cheese
3 cups uncooked penne pasta (10 oz)
1 can (18 oz) Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ creamy three cheese cooking sauce
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon chopped garlic in water (from 4.5-oz jar) or 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (6 oz)
2 oz American cheese loaf, shredded (1/2 cup)
1 bag (2.5 oz) cooked real bacon pieces or bits
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, if desired
Garnish, if desired:
Progresso® Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs
Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
2. Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, heat cooking sauce, milk and garlic to boiling. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Stir in pasta, bacon and bell pepper. Spoon into casserole.
3. Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
