COPIA'S PENNE PASTA AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

Copia's Penne Pasta and Cheese Casserole image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 15

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1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
6 slices bacon
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 shallots, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, and reserve the remaining bacon drippings in a small bowl. Crumble the bacon into a bowl, then mix in the panko bread crumbs, butter, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and shallots; cook and stir until the shallots have softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bacon drippings and flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute, then whisk in the heavy cream and thyme. Continue to cook and stir until reduced by 1/3. Add Monterey Jack cheese and Cheddar cheese, stirring until cheeses have melted. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the penne pasta. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs have browned and the sauce is bubbly, about 25 minutes.