Cheesy Penne, Bacon and Broccoli
Recipe from Family Circle

A pungent blue cheese sauce made velvety smooth with cream cheese and crumbled bacon team up for a boldly flavored pasta main dish recipe.


Cheesy Penne, Bacon and Broccoli

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Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Related Categories: Bacon, Broccoli, Creamy Sauces, Easy and Quick Dinners, Pasta
 
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Ingredients
  • 4  slices
    bacon
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  • 1  small
    onion, finely chopped
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  • 3  tablespoons
    all-purpose flour
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  • 2  cups
    milk
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  • 1  pound
    penne pasta
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  • 1  pound
    broccoli (1 small bunch), cut into flowerets
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  • 1/4  teaspoon
    salt
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  • 1/8  teaspoon
    black pepper
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  • 4  ounces
    less-fat (1/3 less fat) cream cheese
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  • 4  ounces
    blue cheese OR: Gorgonzola cheese
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  •  
    Pinch ground red pepper (cayenne)
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  • 3  tablespoons
    grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
1.
Bring large pot lightly salted water to boiling.
2.
While water is coming to boil, saute bacon in large skillet until crispy, about 7 minutes. Remove to paper toweling to drain.
3.
Drain all but 3 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add onion; increase heat to medium-high; cook until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle with flour; whisk, scraping up any browned bits. Whisk in milk, 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth. Cook, stirring, until thickened, 2 minutes.
4.
While onion is cooking, add penne to boiling water; cook according to package directions. Add broccoli for last 4 minutes. Drain penne and broccoli; transfer to serving bowl; keep warm.
5.
To thickened milk in skillet, add salt, pepper, cream cheese and blue cheese; whisk until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in cayenne and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Crumble bacon; add to sauce. Toss with penne and broccoli. Top with remaining Parmesan.
Nutrition information
Calories 556, Total Fat 24 g, Saturated Fat 13 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 657 mg, Carbohydrate 63 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 22 g. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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