Creamy Shrimp Avocado Bacon Ziti Pasta

My Kitchen Smells Like a Party

Hello, my dear. Come on in. I just made my creamy shrimp avocado bacon ziti. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s my go-to meal when the family visits. It feels fancy but comes together so easily.

I love how the salty bacon and sweet shrimp dance together. The creamy sauce makes everything friends. The cool avocado at the end is the best surprise. It makes each bite fresh and rich at the same time.

A Little Story About Avocados

I learned to add avocado the hard way. Once, I mixed it in too early. It turned my lovely sauce a strange green color. My grandson called it “monster mash.” I still laugh at that.

Now I add it right at the end. This keeps it bright green and perfect. It’s a small step that matters a lot. It turns a simple pasta into something special.

Why This Dish Feels So Good

This recipe matters because it’s about balance. You get creamy, crunchy, salty, and fresh all in one bowl. That’s what makes a meal truly satisfying. It feels like a hug for your tummy.

It also matters because it’s flexible. Don’t have shrimp? Use chicken. No bacon? Try ham. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. What’s your favorite protein to add to pasta?

Let’s Talk About That Bacon

Here’s my favorite trick. Cook the bacon first. Then, use that tasty bacon fat to cook the shrimp and onions. It gives them so much flavor. This is the secret heart of the dish.

Fun fact: Did you know the fat from bacon is called “drippings”? Grandma’s been saving it in a jar for years. It makes the best fried potatoes.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This is a great recipe to make with someone. One person can cook the bacon. Another can chop the avocado. Cooking together makes the food taste even better, I think.

What’s a meal you love to make with your family or friends? I’d love to hear about it. And tell me, do you prefer your pasta dishes cheesy or creamy?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
ziti pasta	8 oz.	cooked
shrimp	8 oz.	cooked
bacon	6 strips	cut into 1″ pieces
garlic	1 Tablespoon	minced
onion	¼ cup	chopped
avocados	2 medium	pitted, peeled and chopped
Alfredo sauce	16 oz.

My Grandson’s Favorite Pasta Night

Hello, my dears. It’s Anna. Let’s make a special dinner together. This pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. It reminds me of summer lunches with my family. The creamy sauce, the salty bacon, it’s just wonderful. My grandson requests this every time he visits. He calls it his “champion pasta.” I still laugh at that. Doesn’t that smell amazing when the bacon starts to sizzle? Let’s get our aprons on.

Step 1: First, get your pasta boiling. Follow the directions on your box. I use a big pot with lots of salty water. It makes the pasta taste so good. Drain it when it’s tender and set it aside. (Hard-learned tip: save a little pasta water in a cup. It helps the sauce later!).

Step 2: Now, let’s thaw our shrimp. I run cold water over them in a strainer. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This is important for a good sear. It reminds me of beach trips. We would buy shrimp right off the boat!

Step 3: Time for the bacon! Cook the pieces in a big skillet. I love that sound. When it’s nearly done, add the shrimp, garlic, and onion. The smell is incredible. Sauté it all for a few minutes. The shrimp will turn pink. What’s your favorite kitchen smell? Share below!

Step 4: Let’s bring it all together. Put your drained pasta in a big serving bowl. Toss in the yummy bacon and shrimp mix. Pour the Alfredo sauce over everything. Mix it gently until it’s all coated and creamy.

Step 5: Last step! Chop your avocados right before serving. Gently fold them into the warm pasta. This keeps them nice and green. Serve it right away while it’s hot. I love seeing everyone’s happy faces at the table.

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta

Let’s Mix It Up Next Time

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s always welcome. But sometimes, you want to play dress-up. Here are three fun twists for your next pasta night.

Summer Garden Twist: Skip the shrimp. Add sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh corn instead.

Spicy Kick Twist: Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives it a nice warm feeling.

Lemon Herb Twist: Stir in the zest of one lemon and some chopped basil. It makes everything taste bright and sunny.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It With Style

This pasta is a full meal by itself. But a little side makes it perfect. I love a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Some garlic bread is always a hit too. For a pretty plate, sprinkle on a little chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color.

What to drink? A crisp glass of white wine is lovely for the grown-ups. For everyone, I love sparkling lemonade with a mint leaf. It cuts through the richness so nicely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Ziti Happy in the Fridge and Freezer

Let’s talk about keeping leftovers. This pasta is best fresh. But life gets busy. Store it in a tight-lid container in the fridge. It will keep for two days.

Want to freeze it? Leave out the avocado. Freeze the creamy pasta and shrimp mix alone. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Add fresh avocado when you reheat. I learned this the hard way. My first batch had mushy, brown avocado after freezing.

Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Batch cooking saves a future you. It means a good meal is always ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Sometimes dinner needs a little help. Here are three easy fixes. First, sauce too thick? Thin it with a little pasta water. This helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Second, worried about overcooked shrimp? I remember when mine turned rubbery. Now I add them last, just to warm through. This keeps them tender and juicy. Getting the texture right matters. It turns a good meal into a great one.

Third, avocado turning brown? Toss it with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice. Or simply add it right before serving. This small step makes your dish look fresh. Fixing little problems builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and toppings are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make parts ahead?
A: Cook the bacon and chop the veggies ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Fun fact: Cooked bacon freezes wonderfully for up to a month!

Q: What if I don’t have shrimp?
A: Try cooked chicken or chickpeas. Both are delicious in this creamy sauce.

Q: How do I double the recipe?
A: Use a very big pot or cook in two batches. This ensures everything cooks evenly.

Q: Any optional add-ins?
A: A handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes adds lovely color and flavor. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy meal. It has all my favorite things in one bowl. Cooking is about sharing and making memories. I would love to see your creation.

Share a photo of your family enjoying it. You can tag my blog on Pinterest at @AnnaWhitmoreKitchen. It makes my day to see your dishes. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.