facebook Chipotle Bacon & Broccoli Mac and Cheese - CATELLI® Pasta Recipe

Chipotle Bacon & Broccoli Mac and Cheese

With spicy chipotle, smoky bacon and tasty broccoli, this loaded mac and cheese is an explosion of delicious flavours in every bite.
Comfort Food
Family Friendly
Most Popular
Print
Chipotle Bacon & Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep time
icon-clock-115 Min
Cook time
icon-cooking-160 Min
Serves
icon-servings-16
Chipotle Bacon & Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Catelli Classic Macaroni

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg (500 g) Catelli® Classic Macaroni
  • 4 cups (1 L) Small broccoli florets
  • 6 Slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) Butter
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 2 Cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) All-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (1 L) 3.25% whole milk
  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) Finely chopped canned chipotles in adobo
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) Each salt and pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) Shredded aged Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) Bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) Olive oil

Cooking Steps

STEP 1

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup (125 mL) cooking liquid.

STEP 2

Meanwhile, cook bacon in large high-sided skillet set over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towel to drain.

STEP 3

Remove all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) bacon fat from pan. Stir in butter, onion and garlic; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle flour over top; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth.

STEP 4

Slowly whisk in milk; bring to boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened slightly. Stir in chipotles, salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

STEP 5

Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted. Stir in reserved pasta and cooking liquid until well coated; stir in bacon. Transfer to greased 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) baking dish.

STEP 6

Stir together bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle over casserole; bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Tips:
• Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro.
• Substitute cauliflower for broccoli if preferred.