Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac 'n Cheese

  • 6
  • 10 mins
  • 30 mins

Ingredients

  • 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) or 4 slices American cheese, diced
  • 1 bag (2.5 oz) cooked real bacon pieces or bits
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, if desired
  • Progresso® Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

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.

Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.