Creamy Baked Penne with Bacon and Cheddar
This comforting baked penne dish features tender pasta tossed in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce and topped with savory bacon crumbles for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Instructions
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1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2
In a small skillet, sauté the onion until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Set aside.
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3
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
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4
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
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5
Add the cooked penne, sautéed onion and garlic, and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
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6
Transfer the mixture to a 3-cup baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
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7
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 5 servings)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate.
