Categories: Pasta

Ingredients

• Olive oil, for the baking dish
• 2 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 lb. ziti or penne
• 2 bacon slices
• 1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated aged Cheddar or Gouda
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for the top
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 beefsteak tomato

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Coat a large baking dish with oil.

2. Fill a large pot with water 2 inches from the top. Place over high heat and let come to a boil. Add 2 tsp of the salt. Cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than directed. Drain in a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking.

3. Meanwhile, freeze the bacon for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the bacon crosswise then chop it into very small pieces. In a small bowl, combine the bacon, bread crumbs and thyme.

4. Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the cream, Cheddar, Parmesan, pepper and the remaining 3/4 tsp salt. Fold in the spinach.

5. Pour the pasta into the prepared dish. Using a serrated knife, thinly slice the tomato and layer over the pasta. Sprinkle with the bacon bread crumbs and more Parmesan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.

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