BLT Pasta Recipe

This BLT Pasta dish is unconventional and I must say, delicious. It is a little rich with cream cheese and bacon, but the pasta lightens it up a smidge. The best part? It's equally as delicious cold the next day.

Source: letsdishrecipes.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

BLT PastaIngredients
16 oz. dry pasta {we prefer penne}
12 slices bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved{or regular ones, cut up}
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Slice the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces.  {I discovered a super neat trick. Take bacon directly from the packaging, all nice and lined up and cut it before cooking. So much easier than cutting it after it's cooked} Cook in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.  Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in skillet.  

Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente; drain.  

Add onion, garlic and red pepper flakes to bacon drippings in skillet.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until onions are soft.  Stir in chicken broth and diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. 

 Add cubed cream cheese and stir until cream cheese is melted and smooth. {I've had issues with my cream cheese not being chunky. I think it may be because it's Walmart brand. But my grandmother whisked it vigorously and it eventually blended into the sauce} Season with salt and pepper, to taste {We don't add salt to anything, so skipped on this and trust me, with the bacon, it's quite salty}.  Add pasta, grape tomatoes, bacon and parsley and cook until heated through, about 2 more minutes.  

Top with Parmesan cheese and serve. {Tip: I took some of the Kraft parmesan cheese, you know the fake stuff, and put it in a creamer dish from my tea set. Stick a teaspoon in there and voila! Fancy parmesan cheese that doesn't break the bank}

To avoid a mile-long post of buttons, you know I be linking up to those Pinfest linky parties in blogland. You can find them here.