Bacon Cream Cheese Pasta

It's been a while since I've shared a recipe with you all, so I thought I'd tell you about the new Sunday lunch favorite at our house. It's original name is bacon bow tie pasta, but since I usually don't have bow ties, I use whatever pasta I have on hand. The recipe comes from Southern Living magazine. Feel free to add chopped cooked chicken, diced ham or even ground turkey (like we did) for a heartier version. Enjoy!

Bacon Cream Cheese Pasta

*serves 4

1/2 (16-oz) package of bow tie pasta (or whatever you have on hand)

1/2 lb. bacon

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

2/3 cup milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Keep warm.

2. Cook bacon according to package directions; drain well, and crumble.

3. Beat cream cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl at low speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add milk, beating until mixture is smooth. 

4. Microwave cream cheese mixture at HIGH 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, whisking ever 30 seconds. Pour cream cheese mixture over warm pasta, tossing to coat. Top with crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.