CHEESY BROCCOLI AND PASTA

Cheesy Broccoli and Pasta image

Honestly, you had us at cheesy broccoli. And then you added pasta to the mix...and bacon. So it's official: This is our new fave casserole.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories Home

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 pkg. (13.25 oz.) whole wheat blend penne pasta, uncooked
1 lb. broccoli, cut into small florets
4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. whole wheat flour
2 cups milk
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided

Steps:

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 4 min.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving 3 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels. Add onions to reserved drippings; cook on medium heat 4 to 5 min. or until tender. Add flour; whisk, scraping browned bits until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 min. or until thickened.
Add Neufchatel, blue cheese and pepper; stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 Tbsp. Parmesan.
Drain pasta mixture; place in serving bowl. Add sauce; toss lightly. Crumble bacon; sprinkle over pasta with remaining Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 310 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 16 g