Recipes

Bacon Tortellini Bake

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Description

I stirred up this easy tortellini bake and figured if we all like it, others might, too. Broccoli and bacon add color and crunch to this creamy casserole.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups small fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/2 pound bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook tortellini according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes; drain.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to drippings in pan; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in flour, basil, salt and pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Add tortellini mixture and bacon; toss to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until heated through and broccoli is tender.