Bacon, cheese, pasta, sweet peas...it doesn't get much better
6 oz whole wheat rotini pasta (measured dry)
3 slices center cut bacon chopped into small pieces
1 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup skim milk
3 tsp flour
1 1/2 tsp hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot)
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1//2 bag frozen peas (thawed)
pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
Boil a large pot of water
While water is heating chop bacon and set aside
Add pasta to boiling water and stir
In a small sauce pan measure flour and milk and whisk until smooth
Heat over medium heat stirring constantly until milk begins to thicken, add hot sauce and garlic salt
Reduce heat to low
Begin adding cheese in 1/4 cup increments allowing it to melt and stirring thoroughly between each addition
In between cheese additions heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add bacon
(keep your eye on the bacon and stir often to make sure it doesn't burn)
Once bacon is crispy put on a paper towel to drain excess fat
Once all cheese is added to sauce pan add peas and take off heat
Drain pasta and gently mix into cheese sauce
Serve immediately with bacon and paprika or cayenne pepper sprinkled on top
4 servings
1 serving (1 cup pasta and 1/4 bacon): 360 calories
