Ingredients
- 1 19-oz. package frozen cheese tortellini pasta
- 8 oz. thick-cut bacon chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup diced yellow onions
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1½ tsp dried italian seasonings
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1 12-oz. bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 12-oz. bag frozen cauliflower florets, thawed
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Spray a 9”x13” casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions in a large pot; drain and set aside.
- In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and pat dry with paper towels.
- Drain excess grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add diced bell pepper and onions, sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Add flour and stir until combined, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring often.
- Gradually pour in milk and chicken stock, stirring until combined and cook for 7-8 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add salt, Italian seasonings, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well mixed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in broccoli, cauliflower, mozzarella pearls, and cooked tortellini until combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover the dish, sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan and cooked bacon on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
For a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon or omit it altogether.
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg