We made this at my pampered chef party and it was a hit. My husband loved it and so did my kids! Just to warn you this makes enough to feed about 10 people , so you will have plenty to freeze. I Just cut down halves and it still made enough for my husband to take to lunch and plenty for me tomorrow.
Ingredients:
12 slices bacon, divided
4 cups (1 L) chicken broth (just buy a big thing of broth)
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian-style diced tomatoes (3½ cups/875 mL)
1 medium onion
4 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp (2 mL) crushed red pepper flakes (optional) (i didn't use this because it would be to spicy for the girls)
16 oz (350 g) uncooked linguini pasta
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) loosely packed fresh parsley, divided
16 oz (125 g) cream cheese - Recipe only calls for 8oz but its better with a whole package
1 oz (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
Halved grape tomatoes (optional) (def. recommend this )
1. Slice bacon crosswise into 1/4-in. Place into (12-in./30-cm) Skillet; cook over medium-high heat 8-9 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from Skillet; drain on paper towels. Drain Skillet, leaving 1 tbsp (15 mL) drippings in Skillet.
2. Meanwhile, place broth and diced tomatoes in Large Micro-Cooker(R). Microwave, covered, on HIGH 6-8 minutes or until hot; carefully remove from microwave. On clean Cutting Board, finely chop onion . Return Skillet to heat; add garlic pressed with Garlic Press and pepper flakes, if desired. Cook 10-20 seconds or until fragrant. Add onion; cook 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Carefully add broth mixture, pasta, half of the bacon and salt. Simmer, covered, 9-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally.
3. Finely chop parsley ; reserve 1 tbsp (15 mL) for garnish. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Grate Parmesan cheese using Rotary Grater. Cut grape tomatoes in half, if using. Remove Skillet from heat. Stir in remaining parsley, cream cheese and grape tomatoes, if desired. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Serve with remaining bacon, Parmesan cheese and reserved parsley.
Serve with garlic bread :)
(step 2) if you don't have the micro cooker which most don't just boil it on stove top in a separate pan
ENJOY!!!
