Scallop and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 1 pound bay scallops
• 1 (1 pound) package bacon
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed Cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; saute scallops until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove skillet from heat.

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels; roughly crumble.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.

Mix Cheddar cheese soup, Cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic salt together in a bowl. Add scallops, bacon, and pasta; mix well. Pour pasta mixture into a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.

Stir bread crumbs and butter together in a bowl; sprinkle over pasta mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and topping is lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes; season with salt and pepper.