Shells and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli
Try this Shells and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli recipe.
Try this Shells and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli recipe.
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 10 strips lean (center cut bacon sliced. (i used appleton farms brand from aldi))
- 12 oz large shell macaroni
- 1 large broccoli stalk (cut into florets (about 4 cups))
- 2 cups almond milk (unsweetened original)
- 6 slices velveeta singles
- 3 oz trader joe's lite shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup trader joe's lite three cheese blend
- Carbohydrate 33.4143120984486 g
- Cholesterol 1.225 mg
- Fat 0.999239823215161 g
- Fiber 1.45893962999797 g
- Protein 6.13511421836084 g
- Saturated Fat 0.315400393480529 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (70g)
- Sodium 84.5825570790289 mg
- Sugar 31.9553724684506 g
- Trans Fat 0.228764687557 g
- Calories 170 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425.
- Boil pasta according to package directions. In the last two minutes of cooking, add in broccoli.
- Drain well.
- Brown bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tsp of bacon grease.
- In a large pan, whisk together bacon grease, milk, cornstarch, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then turn to lowest setting and simmer until slightly thickened, a minute or two.
- Slowly whisk in Velveeta and mozzarella until melted (this will thicken the sauce a lot).
- Add a couple dashes of your favorite hot sauce if you like.
- Fold in half of the cooked bacon along with the pasta and broccoli.
- Pour into a large baking dish and top with 1/2 cup cheese blend and remaining bacon.
- Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then broil for a minute or two if cheese isn't browned to your liking.
Shells and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Shells and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli recipe has become a staple in our house, a true weeknight lifesaver. It’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy – a far cry from the boxed mac and cheese of my childhood! The creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and tender-crisp broccoli create a symphony of textures and flavors that everyone seems to love, even my picky eaters. And the best part? It comes together in under an hour, leaving me with plenty of time to tackle the rest of my evening to-do list.
The key to this recipe's success lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the cheese sauce is beautifully offset by the salty crunch of the bacon and the slightly sweet bitterness of the broccoli. I use a blend of cheeses – Velveeta for that classic creamy base, and mozzarella for a bit of tang and stretch. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses; cheddar, Gruyere, or even some pepper jack would add interesting dimensions. And don't be afraid to adjust the amount of spice! A dash of hot sauce adds a delightful kick, but this recipe is perfectly enjoyable without it. The addition of almond milk gives the sauce a subtle sweetness and creamy consistency that I prefer, but regular milk works just as well.
This recipe is also surprisingly adaptable. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Add some sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra depth of flavor, or swap the broccoli for another favorite vegetable like spinach or peas. You could even add some cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal. The possibilities are endless!
Preparation Tips for Success:
Choosing your bacon: I prefer using lean bacon for this recipe to prevent the sauce from becoming overly greasy. However, feel free to use your favorite type of bacon. Just remember to drain it well on paper towels.
Cooking the pasta: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente – this will help prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce. Adding the broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking helps it to retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Making the cheese sauce: The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the cheese sauce, creating that creamy, dreamy consistency we all love. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch into the milk thoroughly before adding it to the pan to avoid lumps.
Baking the dish: Baking the dish brings everything together, melting the cheese beautifully and adding a lovely golden-brown crust. Broiling at the end helps to brown the top layer of cheese, adding another layer of texture and flavor. Keep a close eye on it while broiling, though, to prevent it from burning.
This Shells and Cheese with Bacon and Broccoli recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients expertly combined. It’s a recipe that I've tweaked and perfected over time, and now it's a cherished part of our family's culinary repertoire. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Add a crusty bread for dipping in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness.
This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a hearty, comforting meal. It’s a recipe that brings people together, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
