A creamy, savory casserole featuring fresh asparagus, a rich cheese sauce, and a touch of spice. Topped with crispy bacon, it's a delightful side dish perfect for any meal!
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Rinse asparagus and trim off tough ends. Arrange asparagus in a single layer in the baking dish.
Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and pepper jack cheeses to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth.
Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add red pepper flakes.
Bake for 15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and cheese is melted. Remove from oven, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top, and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For added spice, consider adding more red pepper flakes. Serve as a side with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main dish.