BACON TORTELLINI BAKE

Bacon Tortellini Bake image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

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

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook tortellini according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes; drain., 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., 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., 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. Freeze option: Sprinkle remaining cheeses over unbaked casserole. Cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 522 calories, Fat 23g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 1084mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 29g protein.