2 bunches of asparagus
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 ounce soft cream cheese
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and trim the asparagus, then grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and place the asparagus inside.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until the ingredients are well blended.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the heavy whipping cream to reduce and thicken. Keep whisking to prevent sticking. This will take a few minutes.
Once thickened, add the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the baking dish, avoiding the tips of the asparagus. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and crushed red pepper flakes over the sauce.
Bake for 15 minutes. If you prefer crunchier asparagus, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the bacon crumbs on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Enjoy your Cheesy Asparagus Casserole!
