Bacon and Cheddar Pasta

1 cup uncooked penne pasta

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon butter

4-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 cup 2% milk

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 bacon strip, cooked and crumbled

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted.
• Drain pasta. Add pasta, bacon and onion mixture to the sauce; stir to coat. Transfer to a 3-cup baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

recipe source  Taste of Home