Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Easy Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Canadian Bacon

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Nutritional Information (per serving): 498 calories, 20 g total fat, 11 g saturated fat, 60 mg cholesterol, 821 mg sodium, 51 g carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 27 g protein

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 8 oz cavatappi or any other corkscrew-shaped pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets (around 8 oz)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 slices Canadian bacon (about 4 oz), diced
• 4 scallions, chopped (keep white and green parts separate)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (about 6 oz)
• cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add Canadian bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping drippings in the pan.
3. Add scallion whites, tsp salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook until softened, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour and mustard, cooking 2 minutes until lightly toasted. Slowly whisk in milk and reserved pasta water; cook 5 minutes until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan, whisking until creamy, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in pasta, broccoli, and bacon. Season to taste. Serve hot, topped with scallion greens.

Photograph by Charles Masters
Courtesy of Recipe Iseasy Magazine

Whip up this irresistible broccoli mac and cheese tonightcreamy, cheesy comfort meets tender broccoli and crispy Canadian bacon for a quick family favorite that's ready in under 30 minutes!