Bacon Tortellini Bake

Name: Bacon Tortellini Bake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 3 cups small fresh broccoli florets; 1/2 pound bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 2 cups 2% milk; 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 teaspoons lemon juice

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min. YIELD: 6 servings.

I stirred up this easy tortellini bake and figured if we all like it, others might, too. Broccoli and bacon add color and crunch to this creamy casserole. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Ingredients

1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 cups small fresh broccoli florets
1/2 pound bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
2 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook tortellini according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes; drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in pan.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to drippings in pan; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in flour, basil, salt and pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Add tortellini mixture and bacon; toss to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until heated through and broccoli is tender.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 522 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1084mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.