Side Dish Heaven! Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb bag Trottole Pasta (or your favorite tube pasta)
• 4 cups broccoli, roughly chopped
• 6 thick slices Bacon, chopped
• 4 TBL Butter, unsalted
• 1/3 cup Flour
• 2 ½ cups Half and Half
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ tsp White Pepper
• Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 cups Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan or Italian Blend Cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• Cook pasta in heavily salted water according to package directions.
• When al dente remove pasta using a spider or slotted spoon reserving water in pan.
• Add broccoli to pasta water and blanch for 3 minutes.
• Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet on medium low heat render bacon until crisp.
• Remove bacon to paper lined plate to drain.
• Leave bacon renderings in skillet.
• Add butter and flour to skillet.
• Stir and cook until lightly golden 2-3 minutes.
• Add half and half and combine.
• Stir in garlic, pepper, and cheese.
• Continue to stir and cook until cheese is melted.
• Add pasta, bacon and parsley.
• Mix gently to combine.
• Pour into prepared baking dish and cook uncovered in oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.