Spinach and Bacon Pasta Toss

By kscribner

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 25 min
Makes: 8 servings, 1-1/2 cups each

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (16 oz.) wide egg noodles
• 3/4 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Dressing
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 1 pt.), halved
• 1 pkg. (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach leaves (4 cups)
• 1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
• 8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from kraftfoods.com

Preparation

Step 1

COOK noodles as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 to 7 min. or until cooked through. Add tomatoes; cook 1 min., stirring occasionally.

DRAIN noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add noodles and the reserved cooking water to chicken mixture in skillet; stir. Remove from heat. Add spinach, 1/2 cup of the cheese and the bacon; mix lightly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Substitute
Use any variety of pasta, including whole wheat pasta, to make this fresh and flavorful dish.

Make it Easy
Substitute OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Cuts for the cut-up fresh chicken. Add to hot dressing in skillet; cook just until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes; continue as directed.

Cleaning Spinach Clean Spinach
Spinach can hold a lot of dirt and must be thoroughly washed before using. To clean, fill a large bowl with water, then swish spinach around in water until most of the dirt comes off. Repeat process 2 or 3 times, using clean water each time, until no more dirt clings to the spinach. Rinse thoroughly under running water and remove hard stems. Spin dry in salad spinner and/or pat dry with paper towels. Use immediately or store in refrigerator up to 4 days.