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creamy ziti alfredo
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Creamy Ziti Alfredo

This Creamy Ziti Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food -- tender pasta tossed in a rich, homemade alfredo sauce with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach and lots of melty cheese!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Servings: 4

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.