INTRODUCTION
Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor together in one easy recipe. This pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. Packed with cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli, it provides a hearty meal that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Let’s explore all the reasons why you should whip up this delicious dish.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Bacon Tortellini Bake is not just tasty; it’s also simple to make. You can enjoy all the wonderful flavors of cheese, bacon, and fresh veggies in every bite. The combination of ingredients not only makes it rich in taste but also pretty satisfying. Moreover, the recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to tweak it to suit your preferences or to use ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a beginner cook or seasoned in the kitchen, this dish can be prepared with ease.
The bubbling, cheesy topping gives it an irresistible look, perfect for serving to guests or just enjoying at home on a cozy night in. Plus, the incorporation of broccoli adds a nutritious element to the meal, making it a bit healthier while keeping it delicious.
HOW TO MAKE Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli
Making Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli is straightforward. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can have this warm, cheesy dish ready to serve. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just for your family, this meal is sure to please.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Whisk
- Large baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 oz pack of chilled cheese tortellini
- Broccoli florets, cut small (about 2 cups)
- 6 bacon slices, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped up
- 1 tablespoon regular flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarse
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella, split
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, split
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Set your oven to 350°F and let it heat up.
- Start by boiling the tortellini; after a few minutes, toss in the broccoli pieces for just 2 minutes before draining everything together.
- Fry up the bacon chunks over medium heat in a big pan till they’re crunchy. Scoop them onto a plate with paper towels. Leave just a spoonful of bacon grease in your pan and get rid of the extra.
- Turn the heat to medium-low. Toss in the chopped garlic and stir for half a minute—it should smell awesome.
- Mix in the flour, herbs, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking till it looks smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Let it cook and bubble, keep stirring so nothing sticks. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, so the sauce thickens a little.
- Take the pan off the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan and let it melt together.
- Dump the drained tortellini, broccoli, and bacon into your sauce and mix them all up.
- Shift everything into a big baking dish. Scatter the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, uncovered, till the cheese looks gooey and bubbly all over.
HOW TO SERVE Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli
Once your Bacon Tortellini Bake is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit and makes it easier to dish out. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The flavors are rich and comforting, making it a favorite at the dining table.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave. If you want to freeze the dish, do so before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can get creative with how you serve this dish. Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. A side of garlic bread complements the meal well and helps clean up the cheesy goodness from the plate. A light salad, featuring greens and a tangy vinaigrette, can balance out the richness of the bake.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to customize your Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli to suit your tastes! You can swap the bacon for cooked sausage or chicken for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more types of vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar or gouda, to change the taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of chilled?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything, put it in the baking dish, and then cover it. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute the bacon with turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon will work fine. It may alter the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious!
4. What should I do if I don’t have garlic?
You can omit the garlic or use garlic powder if you have it. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty!
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli
To save time, you can prepare ingredients ahead of time. Chop your broccoli, bacon, and garlic, and store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also make your sauce and mix it all together, storing it in the baking dish for up to a day prior to baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
This Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli is not just a dish; it’s a comforting experience with layers of flavor and nutrition. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful results.
Bacon Tortellini Bake with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Set your oven to 350°F and let it heat up.
- Start by boiling the tortellini; after a few minutes, toss in the broccoli pieces for just 2 minutes before draining everything together.
- Fry up the bacon chunks over medium heat in a big pan until they're crunchy. Scoop them onto a plate with paper towels, leaving just a spoonful of bacon grease in your pan.
- Turn the heat to medium-low. Toss in the chopped garlic and stir for half a minute.
- Mix in the flour, herbs, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Let it cook and bubble, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan until melted.
- Combine the drained tortellini, broccoli, and bacon with the sauce.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is gooey and bubbly.