Scallop and Bacon Mac N' Cheese

This is something I threw together and it turned out fantastic! The flavor of the bacon, along with the scallops, mixes so well with mac and cheese. A perfect combo! Add vegetables for a healthier kick. I like throwing in some steamed broccoli or cauliflower.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 586 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 1 pound bay scallops
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed Cheddar cheese soup
• ⅔ cup bread crumbs
• 1 (1 pound) package bacon

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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

Step 7

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