Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac 'n Cheese

 

3

cups uncooked penne pasta (10 oz)

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)

2

oz American cheese loaf, shredded (1/2 cup) 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

• 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
• 2 Meanwhile, in 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.
• 3 Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.