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Give thanks the season with a delicious meal that makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen. One of my family’s favorite recipes I bring to the table is my famous Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta.

As a mom of four, I feel like the holidays seem to fly by and we are always on the go during this time of the year. With the many different foods that will be made throughout the holiday season, I like to try to find dishes that are quick and easy.

Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta

My kids love cheesy pasta dishes so throughout the holiday season I like to try and mix them up and add different flavor combinations. Since it is finally that beautiful Fall Season, the maple flavor bacon really adds that sweet note to the dish that makes it sing. If you are not a fan of maple bacon you can substitute this ingredient with regular bacon.

This dish is easily one of my favorite family dinner’s to make during those wonderful Holiday Dinners. It’s my go-to dish for something simple and quick. I found my ingredients including the Barilla Penne Pasta, Marinara Sauce and Galbani Cheese at my local grocery store.

Cheese Options

I really like to use Galbani Cheese as my go-to cheesy ingredient for this recipe because Galbani Cheeses have no additives like cellulose, potato starch or other anti-clumping agents. It’s a no-brainer that I would choose them as my go-to Penne Pasta. Any Mozzarella cheese will do, in fact, feel free to add in different types of cheese to mix things up!

This dish is packed with tons of flavor, including fresh cherry tomatoes. I like to top mine with fresh parsley and extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Storing This Pasta

Store this pasta dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating in the microwave add extra cheese to help bring out the moisture and cheesy aspect of this dish. I personally like to add extra spinach and cheese 

Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta

Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Penne Pasta

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Ingredients

• 1 Box of Barilla Penne Pasta
• 1 Cup of Barilla Marinara Sauce
• 1 1/2 Cups of Evaporated Milk
• 3 Tablespoons of Galbani Ricotta Cheese
• Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese
• 1-2 Cups of Maple Bacon Bits
• 3 Cups of Fresh Spinach
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder
• Fresh Parsley
• 1 Cup of Halved Cherry Tomatoes

Instructions

1. In a large pot boil and cook the Barilla Penne Pasta until it is el dente, drain and set aside until the sauce is finished.
2. In a large cast iron pan or nonstick skillet cook the diced maple bacon bits and set aside.
3. Using the leftover grease from the maple bacon pour in the evaporated milk and whole cloves of garlic and bring to a simmer stirring frequently.
4. Once the sauce begins to thicken up add the Galbani Ricotta Cheese and stir until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the garlic powder and Barilla Marinara Sauce until well combined. Add the Spinach and slowly add the Barilla Pene Pasta.
6. Stir until pasta is well mixed and then set in a serving dish and sprinkle generously on the Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese, bacon bits, fresh parsley and halved cherry tomatoes.
7. Stir until combined to your liking and serve alongside your favorite main dish.
8. Sprinkle with extra Shredded Galbani Mozzarella Cheese and enjoy!