Bacon Mac 'n Cheese

By moddie2bert

Ingredients

• 3 cups penne pasta, cook and drain as directed on pkg
• 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)
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) American cheese loaf, shredded 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, for garnish

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In a 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, if desired.