Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Topping

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bake with Broccoli Topping.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and give a light greasing to your favorite casserole dish to ensure nothing sticks.

2. Step 2

   In a large pot, bring some lightly salted water to a rolling boil.

3. Step 3

   Toss in the farfalle pasta and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—this should take about 12 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, letting it rest while you work on the delicious sauce.

5. Step 5

   While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and add the bacon over medium-high heat.

6. Step 6

   Cook it, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and crispy—this should take around 10 minutes.

7. Step 7

   Once it’s ready, drain the bacon on paper towels, but don’t toss that flavorful grease just yet; you’ll want to keep it in the skillet for the next step.

8. Step 8

   Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

9. Step 9

   In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of that reserved bacon grease over medium heat.

10. Step 10

    Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aroma.

11. Step 11

    Stir in the crumbled bacon, heavy cream, and a tablespoon of butter, cooking everything together until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly creamy—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

12. Step 12

    Once the sauce is ready, mix in the shredded Gouda cheese until it melts into a luscious blend, then season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

13. Step 13

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently combine the pasta with this cheesy goodness, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

14. Step 14

    Now, let’s add a delightful crunch to our dish! In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for about 20 seconds.

15. Step 15

    Stir in the panko bread crumbs and riced broccoli until everything is nicely coated in butter.

16. Step 16

    Spread this crunchy mixture evenly over the pasta in your greased casserole dish, creating a beautiful topping.

17. Step 17

    Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for 15 minutes.

18. Step 18

    After that, move an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and switch on the broiler.

19. Step 19

    Broil the pasta bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

20. Step 20

    The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, and soon you’ll have a comforting, creamy pasta bake that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

21. Step 21

    Enjoy every delicious bite!.