Shortcut Mac 'n' Cheese with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
6 slices
bacon
1 large
sweet potato
1 tbsp.
olive oil
2 tsp.
fresh thyme
Kosher salt and pepper
Spices and Seasonings
12 oz.
mezzi or regular rigatoni
1/2 c.
mascarpone cheese
3 oz.
extra-sharp Cheddar
Instructions
STEP 1
Heat oven to 450°F. Boil water.
STEP 2
Arrange bacon on a baking sheet; roast until crispy, about 12-15 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel to cool.
STEP 3
Toss sweet potato with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 12 minutes, then toss and roast until tender, 6 to 9 minutes more.
STEP 4
Cook pasta per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid, then drain.
STEP 5
In the pot, combine pasta with mascarpone until coated. Stir in cheddar until melted, adding reserved liquid if needed. Add sweet potatoes and bacon. Serve with extra thyme.