Baked Broccoli-and-Artichoke Shells

Name: Baked Broccoli-and-Artichoke Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces medium pasta shells; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 10 ounces broccoli, stalks peeled and sliced, florets separated; 0.5 cup panko; 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; 3 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 0.333 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; 3.5 cups whole milk; 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar; 1 can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained

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By

Riley Wofford

Updated on November 30, 2021

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

4

When it comes to pairing up with artichokes, why should spinach get to have all of the fun? In this weeknight-friendly pasta bake, broccoli is the green machine responsible for adding that extra boost of vitamin C and fiber. But truth be told, it's the creamy cheddar cheese sauce and smoky bacon folded in before baking that makes this dish an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

8 ounces medium pasta shells
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
10 ounces broccoli, stalks peeled and sliced, florets separated
½ cup panko
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
1 can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water 4 minutes. Add broccoli and cook 2 minutes more; drain. Combine panko and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano.
In a saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Add butter to pan; melt. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer; cook, whisking, until thickened slightly, about 4 minutes. Stir in remaining Parmigiano, cheddar, artichokes, broccoli, pasta, and bacon; season to taste.
Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with panko mixture. Bake until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Ryan Liebe