Copia’s Penne Pasta and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

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 9×13-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.