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Brueck's Bacon Broccoli Pasta Bake

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This bacon broccoli pasta bake is a comforting pasta casserole with smoky bacon, 2 types of cheese, and a pop of color from broccoli. There's very little hands-on time, so it's suitable for a weeknight.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Stand Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups dried protein pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups high protein milk, or more as needed
  • 1 cup chicken bone broth
  • 1 (8 ounce) container pub cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. 
  3. Drain bacon slices on paper towels. Crumble when cool enough to handle.
  4. Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water, and cook on High until bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. 
  5. Drain.
  6. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, milk, broth, melted butter, pub cheese, 1/2 cup Cheddar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, bacon, and broccoli. 
  7. Stir well to ensure that pub cheese is evenly distributed.
  8. Cover tightly with foil and bake until pasta is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed, stirring halfway through cooking time, 45 to 50 minutes. 
  9. If pasta seems dry at the halfway point, add up to 1/4 cup more milk.
  10. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar. 
  11. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes more.
  12. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

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