Broccoli And Bacon Mac And Cheese

This Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe will win over adults and children alike and is a dish that comes together quickly.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 4 thick slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 crowns of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I use fat-free Greek)
• Dash of hot sauce
• 4 oz fontina, shredded
• 4 oz cheddar, shredded
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium saute pan, cook the bacon to a crisp and then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
2. Cook macaroni pasta in salted water according to package directions, until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta water into a second pot and return the pot to the stovetop.
5. Add the broccoli to the hot water and cook over medium-high for 3-4 minutes, until just fork tender and then drain. (Alternately, you can just use the second pot and cook the broccoli at the same time.)
6. While the broccoli is cooking, transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
7. Add 1/4 cup pasta water, the yogurt, a few dashes of hot sauce, and 1/3 of the grated cheese and stir until the cheese has melted.
8. Stir in remaining cheese, one small handful at a time to prevent clumping.
9. Add additional pasta water as necessary to thin the cheese sauce.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Add the broccoli and bacon, mix well, and serve.