Bacon and Broccoli Mac 'N Cheese

This easy meal turned out to be a hit not only with the kids, but with the hubs as well.  Who would have thought!

Ingredients:

3 cups brccoli florets

8 oz uncooked rigatoni

1 Tbs butter

1½ Tbs all-purpose flour

1¼ cups 2% milk

2 oz shredded colby-jack cheese

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

4 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

 ½ cup extra-sharp shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:

Steam brocolli 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender; drain.  Pat dry and keep warm.  Cook pasta in boiling water for about 8 minutes, drain and keep warm.  Wipe pan with paper towels and return to medium heat.  Melt butter in pan. Sprinkle flour over melted butter; cook for 1 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Gradually add milk to the flour mixture and bring to a boil, stirring constantly with whisk.  Cook for 1 minute or until slightly hick, and remove from heat.  Add colby-jack cheese; stir until smooth.  Stir in remaining ingredients, including broccoli and pasta.  Serve immediately.

Serves 4

*Derived from Cooking Light