Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble

Indulge in a delicious and comforting Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with a flavorful Broccoli Crumble topping. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with crispy bacon, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy homemade broccoli crumble. It's a satisfying meal that the whole family will love, and it's easy to make too! Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering gourmet experience in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small head of broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it cool, then crumble into small pieces.
4. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes until slightly tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
9. Fold in the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon until evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
10. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
11. In a small bowl, combine the sautéed broccoli florets with breadcrumbs. Mix well to coat the broccoli.
12. Sprinkle the broccoli crumble over the pasta mixture.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
15. Serve hot and enjoy!

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