BLT-rific Mac 'n Cheese

2011 Hungry Girl. All Rights Reserved.

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Picture of BLT-rific Mac 'n Cheese Recipe Photo: BLT-rific Mac 'n Cheese Recipe
Rated 5 stars out of 5
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Total Time:
40 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Yield:
4 servings
Level:
Easy
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Ingredients

  • 3 slices turkey bacon or center-cut bacon
  • 4 1/2 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) dry uncooked whole-wheat or high-fiber penne pasta
  • 2 large yellow summer squash
  • 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 4 wedges light spreadable Swiss cheese (recommended: The Laughing Cow Light)
  • 2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
  • 2 slices fat-free Cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, optional

Directions

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop and set aside.

In a large pot, prepare pasta al dente (firm) according to the instructions on the package. Drain well, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.

While water comes to a boil and while pasta cooks, cut squash into pieces similar to the size of penne, about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

Spray a large skillet (with a lid) with nonstick spray, and bring to medium heat on the stove. Add squash, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, occasionally uncovering to stir.

Add spinach and tomato to the skillet, re-cover, and continue to cook for about 1 minute. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted, tomatoes are soft, and excess liquid has cooked off, about 3 minutes. If needed, drain any excess liquid. Set aside.

Place cheese wedges in a microwave-safe bowl and stir to break them up. Add sour cream and cheese slices, breaking cheese slices into pieces as you add them. Microwave for 30 seconds, and then stir thoroughly. Microwave for another 30 seconds, or until cheeses have fully melted. Mix until smooth.

Add cheese mixture and cooked veggies to the pasta. Toss to coat. Top with bacon. If needed, bring to desired temperature on the stove. If you like, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve it up!

PER SERVING (1/4 recipe, about 1 cup): 227 calories, 5g fat, 491mg sodium, 33g carbs, 6g fiber, 4g sugars, 13g protein

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 15 reviews

  • on August 31, 2012

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    This was really really good! I loved that it included vegetables which we never seem to get enough of. I failed to get the proper cheese, so I used what I had on hand, which was some english aged cheddar. I would've never thought to use Laughing Cow cheese, we usually eat it as a snack. It made a wonderful creamy sauce. I will definitely make this again and again even my 18 yr. old son loved it!

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on February 15, 2012

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    I'll start by saying I Love This Recipe. Some day I will make it just the way it says to. I went for the sour cream and it was bad so I substituted greek yogurt the I went for the cheese slices, hmmmm gone, so I used 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, fresh tomatoes, not in this house today, I used 1/3 of a can of diced tomatoes. You ask how I happened to have the squash and spinach on hand? I checked the recipe to be sure I had everything before going to the store. HA! Hubby like it to and that's always a plus.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on January 31, 2012

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    Cheese and vegetables, what more could some one ask for?

    people found this review Helpful.
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