Spinach and Bacon Mac 'n Cheese

Recipe is from Betty Crocker.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  cups  uncooked bow tie pasta, pasta (farfalle, 8 oz)
• 1⁄2 lb  sliced bacon, coarsely chopped
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  small garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2  cups milk
• 2  cups  shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• 1 (6 ounce) bag  fresh  baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Return to Dutch oven; cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until crisp; remove to paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons drippings.
3. In 3-quart saucepan, heat butter and reserved bacon drippings over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in flour, salt and pepper with whisk until smooth. Stir in milk; heat to boiling. Stir in cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
4. Pour cheese sauce over pasta; stir until coated. Stir in spinach. Reserve 1/4 cup of the bacon; stir remaining bacon into pasta mixture. Divide pasta mixture among 6 serving bowls; garnish with reserved bacon.