Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Bake
Dive into the comforting flavors of this Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Bake, a family-friendly dish that’s equal parts creamy, savory, and satisfying. Featuring tender pasta and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a velvety, cheese-packed sauce, this recipe is elevated with crispy bites of smoky bacon for irresistible flavor. A crunchy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect texture, while fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. Ready in under an hour, this hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a one-dish wonder you’ll want to make again and again!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 300 g broccoli florets
- 200 g bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500 ml milk
- 150 g cheddar cheese, shredded
- 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 50 g breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions specify. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then melt the butter in the skillet.
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour over the pan and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, cooked bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat everything in the sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
799 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.3 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.2 g | 121% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 131 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 2086 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.0 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 43.1 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 619 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 485 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
