Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

  1. Add the onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden (this is a roux).
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form.
  4. Add ground mustard (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  5. Stir in half the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

5. Combine Everything:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed onions, garlic, crispy bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix well.

6. Assemble the Bake:

  1. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.

7. Bake:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

8. Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips and Variations

  • Add Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

This Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious! 🧀✨