Bacon Mac

Extra kudos to Cooking Light for this one.  I have never found a relatively healthy mac and cheese recipe that tastes this good!  And for 399 calories per very filling serving, you just can't beat it (yes, I know Weight Watchers, among others offer lower calorie mac and cheese recipes, but all my experiences with these have made me believe that if you don't use real, full fat cheese, it has very little taste).

Ingredients

3 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
12 ounces strozzapreti or penne pasta
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk, divided
2 cups finely shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cooking spray
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Drizzle of olive oil

Preheat broiler. Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente; drain. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup milk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until it cools to 155°. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, onions, hot sauce, pepper, and bacon; stir. Add pasta; toss. Spoon into a 2-quart broiler-safe dish coated with cooking spray; top with 1/2 cup cheese mixed with panko and olive oil. Broil 2 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!!