Blt Creamy Mac 'N' Cheese (Rachael Ray) Recipe

Name: Blt Creamy Mac 'N' Cheese (Rachael Ray)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: salt; 1 lb ziti pasta (may sub penne); extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (EVOO); 6 slices bacon, chopped; 2 leeks, trimmed halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise; 2 large garlic cloves, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; two 3-ounce bricks cream cheese, cut into pieces; 1 1/2 cups shredded asiago cheese (may sub parmigiano-reggiano); 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered; 2 cups baby arugula; 1 cup basil leaves, torn; 1/2 lemon, juice of; drizzle extra virgin olive oil

Servings: persons

salt
1 lb ziti pasta (may sub penne)
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (EVOO)
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 leeks, trimmed halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
two 3-ounce bricks cream cheese, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups shredded asiago cheese (may sub parmigiano-reggiano)
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 cups baby arugula
1 cup basil leaves, torn
1/2 lemon, juice of
drizzle extra virgin olive oil

1
Preheat the oven to 500u00b0. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.
2
While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the leeks and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute. Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, then the reserved pasta cooking water.
3
Add the pasta to the sauce and toss. Pile into a casserole and top with the tomatoes and remaining shredded cheese. Bake until browned on top, 7 to 8 minutes.
4
In a large bowl, toss the arugula and basil with the lemon juice and a drizzle of EVOO. Serve on top of the pasta.

930

kcal

Calories

Fat

105

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: salt, 1 lb ziti pasta (may sub penne), extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (EVOO), 6 slices bacon, chopped, and more.

Yes, Blt Creamy Mac 'N' Cheese (Rachael Ray) falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Blt Creamy Mac 'N' Cheese (Rachael Ray)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions