{Baked Lemon Ziti}

Ingredients:

Butter {to grease your baking dish}
1 Box Ziti Pasta, Cooked & Drained {or any kind you have}
1 T. Olive Oil
8 Slices Bacon, Cooked & Crumbled
1 Stick Room Temperature Butter
½ C. Flour
3 ½ C. Whole Milk, Room Temperature
Zest of 2 Large Lemons
2¾ C. Grated Parmesan
1 C. Fresh Basil, Chopped
2 T. Fresh Thyme, Chopped
¼ C. Fresh Lemon Juice
S & P

Topping:

⅔ C. Lemon Pepper Panko {pictured below}
⅓ C. Grated Parmesan
Olive Oil {for drizzling}

Directions:

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and drain on paper towels.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the lemon zest. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the cheese sauce, cooked bacon, pasta, basil and thyme. Toss until the ingredients are coated. Stir in the lemon juice. Spoon the mixture into the buttered baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Sprinkle the topping over the pasta mixture. Drizzle the top with olive oil and bake at 350°F until the top is golden brown, 25 minutes. Enjoy :)

***Next time, I'll add grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Lemon Pepper! The perfect combo!***