DOUBLE-CHEESE ZITI WITH BACON

Double-Cheese Ziti with Bacon image

-Sabrina DeWitt, Cumberland, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings (1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) ziti or small tube pasta
3 cups 4% cottage cheese
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
3 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup whole milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crumbled cooked bacon, divided
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place cottage cheese in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Set aside. , In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and garlic salt until smooth. Gradually add cream and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. , Drain macaroni; transfer to a large bowl. Add cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, white sauce and 3/4 cup bacon; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. (Dish will be full.) Melt remaining butter. Add bread crumbs; toss to coat. Sprinkle over casserole. , Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Bake 5 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 666 calories, Fat 35g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 136mg cholesterol, Sodium 1486mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 37g protein.