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    Zucchini Bacon Mac and Cheese

    By Julia | Updated: Jun 25, 2018 | Published: Sep 18, 2014 | 8 Comments

    3.2K shares
    • Facebook10
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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate policy.

    Zucchini Bacon Mac and Cheese made with elbow pasta, half and half, Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Comfort food. Perfect if you love zucchini. Great Summer pasta recipe!

    Zucchini Bacon Mac and Cheese

     

    When you combine elbow pasta with bacon, cream and lots of cheeses, you can't go wrong! Add zucchini and you'll have a unique mac and cheese dinner!

    Zucchini and Bacon Elbow Pasta

    Related Zucchini Pasta

    Zucchini and pasta make an amazing combination together. Below are my favorite recipes using these ingredients:

    • Parmesan Zucchini Garlic Pasta - light, delicious, Summer recipe.  Regular spaghetti pasta combined with garlic zucchini and lots of shredded Parmesan cheese!
    • Chicken and Zucchini Basil Pesto Tortellini - zucchini, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and tortellini are all tossed together with basil pesto to create a light Summer dinner.
    • Parmesan Zucchini Tomato Chicken Spaghetti - a delicious Mediterranean pasta toss with basil pesto and lots of grated Parmesan cheese!

    Creamy Zucchini and Bacon Elbow Pasta

     

    Zucchini and Bacon Elbow Pasta

    5 from 1 vote

    Zucchini Bacon Mac and Cheese

    Zucchini Bacon Mac and Cheese made with elbow pasta, half and half, Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Comfort food. Great Summer pasta recipe!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories per serving 642 kcal
    Author: Julia

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 zucchinis , regular size, sliced
    • 3 garlic cloves , minced
    • 12 oz elbow pasta (for gluten free version, use gluten free brown rice elbow pasta)
    • 1 cup half and half
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
    • 1 cup Parmesan cheese , shredded
    • 12 strips bacon , chopped

    Instructions 

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add sliced zucchini and minced garlic and saute for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until zucchini softens and browns a bit, uncovered. Midway through cooking, season with salt.
    • Cook elbow pasta al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This is done because you will continue cooking the pasta once you add in cream sauce - and at that point pasta will reach the ideal texture.
    • Return elbow pasta to the pot. Add half and half, bring to boil. Immediately add Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Reduce to simmer. Cook for several minutes, constantly stirring until cheese melts and coats the pasta.
    • Add chopped bacon (reserving some for garnish) and cooked zucchini from step 1, mix, heat through, turn off heat, and serve, sprinkling each serving with reserved chopped bacon!

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Information
    Zucchini Bacon Mac and Cheese
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    642
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    38
    g
    58
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    16
    g
    100
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    75
    mg
    25
    %
    Sodium
     
    700
    mg
    30
    %
    Potassium
     
    476
    mg
    14
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    47
    g
    16
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    25
    g
    50
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    610
    IU
    12
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    12.5
    mg
    15
    %
    Calcium
     
    403
    mg
    40
    %
    Iron
     
    1.4
    mg
    8
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition Disclaimer:

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Keyword bacon mac and cheese, zucchini pasta
    Tried this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment and provide a Star Rating below - I love your feedback and try to respond to every comment!
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shelly

      September 24, 2014 at 6:20 pm

      Absolutely delicious! Thanks for a wonderful recipe! We used turkey bacon and fat free half and half yet it was still yummy! Even my kids who only like the processed boxed mac and cheese thought this was sooo good! Yipee!

      Reply
      • Julia

        September 25, 2014 at 2:55 pm

        Thanks, Shelly! I also thought this was such a delicious and simple meal! Great way to use those zucchini right now! I bet turkey bacon was so good!

        Reply
    2. Kevin | keviniscooking

      September 23, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Agree with Shashi, beautiful photos! This has me thinking of bacon and the warm comfort of mac and cheese for dinner.

      Reply
      • Julia

        September 25, 2014 at 2:55 pm

        Thanks, Kevin! Love mac and cheese sometimes, especially simple recipe like this one.

        Reply
    3. Shashi @ runninsrilankan

      September 19, 2014 at 1:10 pm

      Your photos do speak for themselves - all that bacon ...mmm mmm mmm!

      Reply
      • Julia

        September 25, 2014 at 2:55 pm

        Thanks, Shashi! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Matt @ Runner Savvy

      September 18, 2014 at 8:11 pm

      Drooling!

      Reply
      • Julia

        September 25, 2014 at 2:56 pm

        Yes!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Julia!

    I am a full-time food blogger living in beautiful Colorado. I focus primarily on savory recipes (protein-based & fiber-rich main dishes, pasta, salads) using fresh & seasonal ingredients. A food blogger since 2012, I help home cooks create well-balanced and visually appealing dinners (many of which are 30-minute ONE-PAN meals). Find out more about me and my cooking philosophy. 

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