Baked Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Bacon (1 Hr, 5 Mins)

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This recipe features tender bow tie pasta, fresh broccoli, earthy mushrooms, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection.

It’s an ideal meal for those who love a hearty, oven-baked pasta dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic powder, onion powder

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli (15 minutes): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pot in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Cheese Sauce (10 minutes): In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder.
  3. Cook Mushrooms (5 minutes): In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms until they’re cooked and their moisture has evaporated.
  4. Combine Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, and crumbled bacon. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Bake (20-25 minutes): Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
  6. Serve (5 minutes): Let the baked pasta cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal. The key is to not overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook in the oven.

For those who like a crispy topping, consider sprinkling bread crumbs over the dish before baking. This baked pasta is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the cheese to your preference.

Serve this dish with a homemade bread if you’re feeling ambitious and your favorite veggies like olive oil tomatoes or steamed greens.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/baked-bowtie-pasta-with-broccoli-mushrooms-and-bacon-1-hr-5-mins/