- **Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble**
- **Ingredients:**
- Penne Pasta (150g)
- Sliced Bacon (150g, pre-cooked or pan-fried until crispy)
- Fresh Broccoli (2 cups, chopped into florets)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (200g)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (50g)
- All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons for crumble topping)
- Softened Butter (1 tablespoon for crumble topping)
- Minced Garlic Clove (1, finely chopped)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Olive Oil (for cooking)
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (200ml)
- **SEO Keywords:**
- Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake
- Broccoli Crumble Recipe
- Cheese Pasta Dishes
- Healthy Italian Recipes
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### Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Crumble: A Delicious Recipe
#### Introduction:
Looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option? This cheesy bacon pasta bake with broccoli crumble is perfect! It combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, and a savory broccoli topping, all baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
#### Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti
- 150g bacon, diced
- 300g broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 100g cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
#### Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for bacon
- Baking dish (8x8 inches)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or a fork for handling pasta
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Broccoli Crumble:**
- In a medium saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add broccoli florets and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the broccoli is tender but still crisp (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta in a colander, reserving some cooking liquid if needed for moisture.
3. **Cook the Bacon:**
- In the same pan used for broccoli, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes).
- Use tongs or a fork to remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Break the bacon into small pieces using your hands.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In the mixing bowl with cooked broccoli, add half of the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Stir in 2/3 of the crispy bacon pieces.
5. **Assemble the Bake:**
- Transfer drained pasta to a baking dish. Add the remaining 1/3 of bacon over the top.
- Pour the broccoli mixture evenly over the pasta, ensuring it is well distributed.
6. **Bake Until Golden:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden crust on top.
7. **Serve Hot:**
- Remove from the oven once done.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your tongue.
#### Tips:
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if desired.
- For a crispier crust, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious and comforting cheesy bacon pasta bake with broccoli crumble ready in no time. Enjoy this hearty meal that is perfect for any day of the week!