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This Creamy Ziti Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food — tender ziti pasta tossed in a rich, homemade alfredo sauce with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach and melty cheese! It’s a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
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Pin It NowWhy You’ll Love this Creamy Ziti Alfredo
Today we are talking all about pasta tossed in the most delicious alfredo sauce. You are going to love this Creamy Ziti Alfredo because it truly tastes like a restaurant quality meal that you’ve made right at home. You are also going to love that its:
- Quick – this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! Especially if you already have leftover bacon on hand or you’re leaving the bacon out. I like to bake my bacon in the oven so that it’s hands-off and super easy to do.
- Creamy alfredo sauce – it’s hard not to fall in love with this sauce. It’s homemade and SO easy!
- Mushrooms and spinach – yes you can leave these two ingredients out, but it adds additional layers of flavor and nutrients to this delicious pasta recipe.
- Perfect comfort food – pasta is ALWAYS a great option when you’re in the mood for comfort, isn’t it?
Whether you’re making this for your family, or looking for a recipe that might impress for a date night at home, this is a delicious option!
How to make Creamy Ziti Alfredo
Here is a brief overview of how to make this creamy, homemade alfredo recipe at home. The full written recipe including ingredient amounts is in the recipe card below.
- Cook the pasta – no, you don’t have to use ziti. Any of your favorite pastas will work. Be sure to salt your pasta water. Cook according to package d directions, drain and set aside.
- Make the bacon – unless you’ve already got leftover bacon on hand. Otherwise bake it in the oven while you make the rest of this recipe.
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic – not a fan of mushrooms or garlic? You can leave them out, of course, but they truly add so much to this recipe. Broccoli is an alternative option that would be delicious!
- Make the alfredo sauce – this part is easier than you might think. You’ll need butter, olive oil, heavy cream, and fresh grated parmesan cheese.
- Add more cheese and season – this cheesy creamy ziti alfredo also has mozzarella cheese (yes!! So good). You’ll season it up with smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Finish the sauce – to the sauce add in the bacon, spinach, mushrooms and garlic then toss with the cooked ziti pasta and stir to combine.
- Serve
What to Serve with Creamy Ziti Alfredo
With bacon, cheese, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy cheesy alfredo sauce, this Smokehouse Bacon Ziti Alfredo ready in under 30 minutes, is a recipe that your whole family will enjoy. Here are some delicious ideas for what to serve with this creamy ziti alfredo:
- Salads: a fresh salad like a Caesar salad with homemade dressing, or a simple garden salad with homemade ranch.
- Bread: you can never go wrong with bread to soak up that delicious alfredo sauce! Try my perfect cheesy garlic bread or my quick and easy garlic bread.
- For some more veggies, try my grilled asparagus!
*Note: If you’re cooking this pasta recipe for two, just cut everything in half, unless of course, you want the leftovers. The leftovers aren’t quite as good as fresh, but it’s still pretty darn delicious! Enjoy!
There’s something irresistible about a rich creamy alfredo sauce. It turns pasta into a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes. Whether you’re tossing it with ziti, fettuccine, or any other pasta, this homemade alfredo sauce is delicious!
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it turn out. I love to hear from you! ❤️
Creamy Ziti Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti cooked according to package directions
- 6 slices bacon
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet or in the oven, cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 8–10 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. Remove the mushrooms and garlic from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, pour in 2 cups heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Parmesan and Thicken the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to thicken.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add the chopped bacon, 1–2 cups fresh spinach, and the reserved mushrooms and garlic. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust with salt and additional black pepper, if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
