Gourmet BLT Mac 'n' Cheese Delight
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Gourmet BLT Mac 'n' Cheese Delight, a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food dish, perfected in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines the saltiness of crispy bacon, the freshness of leeks and herbs, and a luscious cream cheese and asiago cheese blend that will elevate your dinner table. With each bite, experience a delightful burst of flavors from cherry tomatoes and a refreshing arugula-basil salad on top. A reviewer suggested adding diced tomatoes, which would make for an exciting variation. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (may substitute with penne if preferred)
Salt
to taste (for boiling water)
Extra virgin olive oil
to drizzle (for cooking and dressing)
Bacon
6 slices (chopped)
Leeks
2 (trimmed, halved lengthwise, and sliced crosswise)
Garlic cloves
2 large (chopped)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for spice)
Tomato paste
3 tablespoons (for richness)
Cream cheese
two 3-ounce bricks (cut into pieces)
Shredded asiago cheese
1 1/2 cups (may substitute with parmigiano-reggiano)
Cherry tomatoes
1/2 pint (quartered)
Baby arugula
2 cups (for fresh salad)
Basil leaves
1 cup (torn)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). While waiting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2
Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
3
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns crispy around the edges, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4
Next, stir in the sliced leeks and sauté until they become soft, about 3 minutes. Then add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute while stirring frequently.
5
Incorporate the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then mix in the cream cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce. Gradually blend in half of the shredded asiago cheese and the reserved pasta cooking water until combined.
6
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. Transfer the pasta mixture into a casserole dish and top with the quartered cherry tomatoes and the remaining shredded asiago cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
8
In a separate bowl, combine the baby arugula and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with lemon juice and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, tossing to ensure even coating.
9
Serve the arugula mixture on top of the baked mac 'n' cheese for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
37g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet BLT Mac 'n' Cheese Delight?
It is a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food that combines the flavors of bacon, leeks, and tomatoes with a creamy cheese sauce and fresh arugula.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is perfected to be made in just 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for ziti pasta, though you may substitute with penne if preferred.
What cheeses are used in the sauce?
The sauce features a blend of cream cheese and shredded asiago cheese.
Can I substitute the asiago cheese?
Yes, you may substitute asiago with parmigiano-reggiano.
How much bacon is needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 6 slices of chopped bacon.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C).
How do I prepare the leeks?
Leeks should be trimmed, halved lengthwise, and then sliced crosswise.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
What provides the fresh finish to the dish?
A salad of baby arugula and torn basil leaves tossed in lemon juice and olive oil is served on top.
Should I save any pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help blend the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 large chopped garlic cloves.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The fat content is 22g.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 37g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does it provide?
It provides 15g of protein.
What role does tomato paste play in the recipe?
Tomato paste is used to add richness to the creamy sauce.
How long should the pasta boil?
The ziti should be cooked until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
How do I cook the bacon?
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it turns crispy around the edges.
When do I add the cherry tomatoes?
Add the quartered cherry tomatoes to the top of the pasta mixture before baking.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake for 7-8 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
What herbs are used in the topping?
The topping uses 1 cup of torn basil leaves and 2 cups of baby arugula.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce bricks of cream cheese, cut into pieces.
Is there a variation suggested for the tomatoes?
A reviewer suggested adding diced tomatoes for an exciting variation.
How do I dress the arugula salad?
Drizzle the greens with the juice of half a lemon and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dish for entertaining guests.
Can I use a different pasta if I don't have ziti?
Penne is the recommended substitute for ziti.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the garlic after the leeks have softened, cooking for about one minute.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious, rich, and creamy.