Edible Idols: Bacon & Peanut Butter

• 3 slices turkey bacon or center-cut bacon
• 4 1/2 oz. (about 1 1/2 cups) uncooked whole-wheat or high-fiber penne pasta
• 2 large yellow summer squash
• 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 large tomato, chopped and seeded
• 4 wedges The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp. fat-free sour cream
• 2 slices fat-free cheddar cheese
• Optional: salt and black pepper

Directions

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop and set aside.

In a large pot, prepare pasta al dente (firm) according to the instructions on the package. Drain well, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.

While water comes to a boil and while pasta cooks, cut squash into pieces similar to the size of penne, about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

Spray a large skillet (with a lid) with nonstick spray, and bring to medium heat on the stove. Add squash, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, occasionally uncovering to stir.

Add spinach and tomato to the skillet, re-cover, and continue to cook for about 1 minute. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted, tomato is soft, and most of the excess liquid has cooked off, about 3 minutes. Drain any remaining excess liquid. Set aside.

Place cheese wedges in a microwave-safe bowl and stir to break them up. Add sour cream and cheese slices, breaking cheese slices into pieces as you add them. Microwave for 30 seconds, and then stir thoroughly. Microwave for another 30 seconds, or until cheeses have fully melted. Mix until smooth.

Add cheese mixture and cooked veggies to the pasta. Toss to coat. Top with bacon. If needed, bring to desired temperature on the stove. If you like, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve it up!
 

1. Hungry for More? Click here for a BLT breakfast, and click here for two more BLT-inspired recipes!

*The PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe, or its manufacturer or developer by Weight Watchers International, Inc., the owner of the PointsPlus® registered trademark and SmartPoints® trademark.