Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

8 strips bacon
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth or stock
1 cup milk
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
Pepper
3/4 lb. penne pasta (about 4 cups)
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided in half
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided in half
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Provolone cheese, divided in half
1 8 oz. ball of fresh Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced, divided in half

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.

In a deep skillet, brown the bacon, remove, drain, and crumble. Set it aside. Pour off the bacon grease. Put the olive oil and butter in the skillet, add the onion and garlic and saute until translucent. Add the bacon, chicken broth or stock, milk, pasta, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked. Stir in the peas and 1/2 of all of the cheeses. Transfer the whole mixture to a greased casserole. Top with the other half of the cheeses and bake for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and is beginning to brown. Let it cool 5-10 minutes before serving.