Cheesy Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Bake

By JAmero4702

"I'm a sucker for a big bowl of baked pasta. There's nothing more comforting than cheesy carb goodness." Click here to read more about this recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ziti pasta
• Salt and pepper
• 2 slices bacon
• 1/2 onion, minced
• 2 Tbsp minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 Tbsp panko

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from dashrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. Place a large pot of generously salted water on to boil. When boiling add pasta and cook until just shy of al dente. Drain. Set aside.

3. While pasta is cooking in a medium skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen towels to absorb excess grease. Remove all but 1 Tbsp of bacon fat from pan and discard.

4. Add onions and parsley and cook until just translucent. Stirring as needed. Add flour and stir until it has coated the mixture. Gradually add in milk and continue cooking, stirring until mixture has thickened.

5. Add broccoli. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes just to soften. Add cheese and cooked pasta to pan. Toss to combine making sure everything is well coated.

6. Pour mixture into an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle top with panko. Bake for 10-15 minutes until mixture is bubbly and panko is golden.