Rachael Ray's Pasta with Spinach, Artichokes, Bacon and Cherry Tomatoes

This turned out SO good!

2 cups dry pasta (I used penne)
olive oil
1 T butter
2cloves garlic, minced
1 T flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup milk
couple grates fresh nutmeg
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 oz bag fresh spinach
1/2 cup jarred chopped artichokes, drained
6 slices bacon, chopped and cooked crisp
1 cup Italian blend cheese, divided plus extra for serving
cherry tomatoes, halved

Preheat oven to 350ยบ.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium low heat add a little olive oil and the butter. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
Increase heat to medium and sprinkle mixture with flour. Cook for about 1 minute; whisk in wine, cooking for another minute. Whisk the milk into the pan and bring to a simmer.

Whisk in nutmeg and salt and pepper, and simmer til thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat add 1/2 cup of cheese to the sauce, stirring til melted.
Toss the sauce with hot cooked pasta, spinach, avocado and bacon. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top and bake til the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

I served the pasta sprinkled with additional cheese and tomatoes.
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