Peas, Bacon & Swiss Shells

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 10 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 12 × 8-inch baking pan; set aside.


Place peas in colander. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain over peas in colander; set aside.


Meanwhile, whisk together milk, flour, mustard, salt and pepper in large skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; add Swiss cheese and whisk until smooth.


Place peas and pasta in bottom of prepared pan. Pour sauce evenly over peas and pasta; top with crumbled bacon. Bake until heated through, about 22 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; let stand 5 minutes before serving.
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Grandma's Secret Trick:

To prevent cold bacon slices from sticking together and tearing when pulled apart, Grandma formed the bacon package into a lengthwise tube and rolled it back and forth a few times on her kitchen countertop. This loosened the bacon slices so they pulled apart easily without tearing.