Tomato Basil & Bacon Alfredo

Submitted by Iguanagirl

"Yummy! Quick and very easy to make. Great for a main dish or as a side. As described below, I usually make it in the microwave. It is quicker and doesn't dry out as much. I just made this recipe up one day. I had some tomatoes on hand and some bacon that I needed to use, so I made this for lunch to use up what I had. Turned out great, and I will be making it again for sure!"

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb pasta shells
• 1 3⁄4 cups alfredo sauce (1 jar, about 1 lb)
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 lb bacon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder

directions

1. Fry bacon till very crispy. I use a George Forman grill for about 12-15 minutes to dry it out and get rid of most of the grease.
2. Boil the pasta according to package directions. When finished, let it sit in the water to keep it from sticking together.
3. Dice the tomatoes while waiting on bacon and pasta.
4. Combine cooked pasta shells, alfredo sauce, tomatoes, and seasoning in an 11" x 7" glass casserole dish. Add additional seasoning to taste if necessary.
5. Dish can be baked in the oven, but I think this dries it out a bit. (If anyone tries this, please let me know how it works for you!) I usually just put the casserole dish in the microwave (mine is 1200 watts I think, and large enough to fit this size of dish) for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring every minute.
6. Remove dish carefully from the microwave, as it will be hot.
7. Crush the bacon into bite-sized chunks and sprinkle it evenly on top of the casserole dish. Alfredo is ready to serve!