Bacon, Spinach, & Mushroom Alfredo Ziti

In the winter everyone gravitates towards comfort food. A big bowl of warm happiness. This can come in many forms, soups, chilis, chicken and dumplings, and last but not least pastas. This pasta is a one pot, or skillet, meal, which equals a very easy clean-up.

I had no doubts about this pasta, I knew I would love it. All of the ingredients are practically my favorites, bacon, spinach, mushroom, alfredo sauce, and pasta. Yum. This dinner was ready in a flash and was so comforting. And by a flash, I mean under 30 minutes, or right at. You can't beat that during the week.

Another bonus about this pasta, you cook the mushrooms first, then stir them in at the end, so if you have a mushroom hater or spinach hater, spoon out their portion before adding in the ingredients. Ethan had the leftovers during the week for lunch and he said it was still delicious.
Source: Center Cut Cook

Ingredients:
1 lb. of Ziti, cooked according to package directions
6 slices of Bacon
8 oz. of Mushrooms, fresh, cleaned, & sliced
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 tablespoons of Butter
2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
2 cups of Heavy Cream
1 cup of Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 cup of Mozzarella Cheese, grated
1 teaspoon of Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon of Black Pepper
2 cups of Spinach, fresh

Directions:
First, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

While you pasta is cooking, fry your bacon in an iron skillet, a few minutes on each side until done. Set aside on a plate with paper towels. When cooled, crumble or cut into bite sized pieces.

Drain all of the grease out of the pan except for one tablespoon, over medium heat saute the mushrooms  until just tender, add the garlic, and saute for 30 more seconds. Remove the mushrooms and garlic to a separate plate/bowl.

Now, melt the butter in the same pan, when the butter has melted, whisk in the olive oil. Whisk in the heavy cream and let come to a simmer, stirring frequently. Add in the parmesan cheese and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

After the 8-10 minutes, when the sauce has thickened, add in the mozzarella cheese, paprika, black pepper, mushrooms, spinach, bacon, and pasta.

Serve immediately.
Enjoy!

Happy Cooking,
The Barbee Housewife