When fall comes around, I really start to crave everything with carbs. Soups, stews, pasta dishes — you name it, and I want to try it. I think it helps me to be able to stave turning on the heat just a little bit longer. You can’t be cold while eating a nice bowl of chili or goulash!

And I really, really love mac and cheese. So that’s what we are making this week. We’re just going to spice it up a bit!
Everybody’s favorite childhood dish is all grown up. This adult-version (although I think kids will like it too!) of mac and cheese has everything you could ever want out of a pasta dish. It’s smooth and creamy with a touch of smokiness, thanks to the Gouda and bacon, and it’s ready in just 40 minutes. It’s almost too Gouda to be true — sorry, couldn’t resist!

Now, is there anything particularly healthy about this dish? No. Do I care? Also no. Listen, I try really hard to eat healthy most of the week but come the weekend when I have time to put real effort into cooking, calories don’t count! No one wants to sit down to a nice Sunday dinner and eat veggies and lean meat. Well, unless they are in a nice creamy sauce! With pasta on the side. And something with chocolate for dessert!

I can’t wait to try this dish out, hope y’all enjoy it too!

Ingredients:
• 8 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
• 12 oz uncooked penne pasta (3 1/2 cups)
• 3 cups Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz container)
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese (12 oz)
• 2 cups slightly packed baby spinach

Directions:

Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Discard fat.

Add pasta and broth to skillet over medium-high heat; heat to simmering. Cook 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently, until broth is nearly absorbed, and pasta is al dente.

Add milk; heat to boiling. Stir in cheese; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and liquid is reduced to a creamy sauce.

Stir in bacon and spinach; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.