Cheesy Bacon Cavatappi (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 5 cups cavatappi noodles
02 - 2 cups milk
03 - 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup
04 - 1 tablespoon onion powder
05 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon pepper
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
09 - 1 cup Parmesan, shredded

→ Topping

10 - 1 cup Parmesan, shredded
11 - 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
12 - ½ cup real bacon bits

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Cook cavatappi noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
03 - In a large saucepan, combine milk and condensed cream of bacon soup. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
04 - Bring the liquid mixture to a boil, then immediately remove the pan from heat.
05 - Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
06 - Incorporate onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, salt, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup shredded Parmesan into the pasta mixture.
07 - Continue stirring until all cheese is completely melted and pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
08 - Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
09 - Sprinkle the remaining shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and bacon bits evenly over the top of the pasta.
10 - Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the cheese topping is completely melted and beginning to bubble around the edges.
11 - Remove from oven and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving hot.

# Notes:

01 - For a smokier flavor, use smoked mozzarella in place of regular mozzarella.
02 - If cream of bacon soup is unavailable, substitute with cream of mushroom soup and add 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or 1/4 cup additional bacon bits.