This recipe is so versatile. It’s a vegged out version of mac and cheese that can be served without the bacon as a vegetarian dinner or as a side dish. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s a crowd pleaser for adults and kids alike. And as far as mac and cheese goes, it’s well balanced and pretty healthy for you too. I was first inspired to do a mac and trees by Rachael Ray…this recipe is very similar to her recipe but with the added bacon and shallot. As she would say, it’s yummo!
Shopping List
1 pound penne pasta (I always use whole wheat pasta. Always. It has so much more nutrition, but that’s your call.)
2 large heads of broccoli trimmed and cut into florets
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
6 slices of turkey bacon, chopped (or pork bacon or simply omit altogether)
1 shallot, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese (I always use sharp)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Bring water to boil in large pot and add in pasta, cook about 2 minutes then add broccoli to pasta. Continue cooking together another 6-8 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Drain together and reserve.
While pasta is cooking, add EVOO to large oven-proof skillet (or to a regular skillet and you can transfer the dish at the end…I’ll remind you) and add bacon to crisp. Once bacon is crispy (5-6 minutes), add in shallot to saute 4-5 minutes, then add in garlic for another minute. Whisk in flour and cook another minute then whisk in stock and milk. Let sauce thicken together over medium heat about 10 minutes until sauce is thick and bubbly. Whisk in cheese. Season with S&P.
Toss reserved pasta/broccoli combo with sauce. At this point, if your dish is oven safe, stick the pasta in the oven to bubble and brown just a few minutes 5-8. If your dish isn’t oven safe, transfer to one that is and do the same. You could even add a little more cheese to the top beforehand. Extra yummy :).
Anonymous says
What brand of whole wheat pasta do you use? We cannot find one we like. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just use whatever I find at the store! It varies with each store…but I find that most stores have a whole wheat pasta.
Anonymous says
Delallo is a really good whole wheat pasta
Amy says
I substituted the turkey bacon with chicken and it came out great! Thanks for all the great recipes, you are one talented woman!!
Anonymous says
I made this during my daughter's nap today and am planning on reheating it tonight for dinner. How long do you think it'll take to heat up if it comes out of the fridge? Should I cover it? Thank you for all of your great recipes!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would cover it and bake at 350 about 20 minutes, then uncover it and bake it until it's all bubbly on top. Enjoy!
Olivia says
Shay, do you use skim milk or whole milk? We have both (we drink skim, 2 yr old drinks whole). I'm sure it would be yummier with whole, but curious if it tasted good with a lower fat percentage?
Mix and Match Mama says
I always use 2% but I really think skim would work just fine. Whole milk would make it divine!
Emily Clippard says
I love sneaking in the veggies!!! Great recipe!
Laura P. says
Just wanted to thank you for this recipe! It has become a go to for my family 🙂