3176. BACON ZITI ALFREDO

1 pound ziti, cooked according to package directions
6 slices of bacon
8-10 ounces of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 cups fresh spinach
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup Mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon smoky paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Cook mushrooms until tender. When the mushrooms are just about done, add in 3 garlic cloves, minced and cook for a minute longer. Remove the garlic and mushrooms from the pan and set aside. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet you cooked the mushrooms in. When melted, add in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Stir in the parmesan cheese and simmer for 8-10 minutes, making sure to stir frequently. After about 8-10 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken. Reduce the heat to low. Add in mozzarella cheese, smokey paprika, and black pepper. Stir in crispy cooked bacon, fresh spinach, then add in the cooked mushrooms and garlic. Stir in the cooked pasta and serve immediately with additional fresh parmesan cheese for garnish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Ashley Wagner, for CenterCutCook, October 10, 2013