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!
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.