Hidden Valley Four Cheese Pasta Bake with Spinach and Bacon Rsc
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hidden Valley Four Cheese Pasta Bake with Spinach and Bacon! This irresistible dish combines tender penne pasta, crispy bacon, and a creamy Hidden Valley Four Cheese Sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while a trio of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses creates layers of gooey, cheesy goodness. Seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of garlic powder, this savory pasta bake delivers bold flavors in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole is a family favorite that’s ready in under an hour. Serve it hot and bubbling straight from the oven for a cheesy, hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Four Cheese Sauce Mix
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cooled.
In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Hidden Valley Four Cheese Sauce according to the packet instructions: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Stir in the contents of the sauce mix packet and gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared cheese sauce, sautéed spinach, half of the crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and crispy pasta bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2545 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 106.1 g | 136% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.1 g | 276% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 301 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 3933 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 289.7 g | 105% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.8 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.1 g | ||
| Protein | 111.8 g | 224% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.7 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 1702 mg | 131% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 1761 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
