Chris had this ready for me one night when I got home from work. I really enjoyed it! It's even a Weight Watchers recipe. It sure doesn't take like it.
WW Points: 5/serving
Serving size 1 cup
2 cups uncooked penne
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 c fat-free or skim milk
4 center-cut bacon slices
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 c fresh basil
1/2 pkg (6 oz) fresh baby spinach (about 3 cups packed)
1 pint grape tomatoes
3 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm. While pasta is cooking, place flour in a small bowl, and gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended.
Cook bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 tsp drippings in pan; crumble bacon and set aside. Add garlic to pan; saute 30 seconds. Add milk mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally (about 4 minutes or until think). Remove pan from heat; add Gruyere cheese, salt and pepper stirring until cheese melts.
Combine pasta, cheese sauce, bacon, basil, spinach and tomatoes in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
