Bacon Bow Tie Pasta

This easy, heart-warming pasta recipe has minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Enjoy it for dinner tonight.

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Cook time:25 Minutes
Prep time:10 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 (16-oz.) package bow tie pasta
• 1/2 pound 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

Preparation

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 every 30 seconds. Pour cream cheese mixture over warm pasta, tossing to coat. Top with crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Lightened Bacon Bow Tie Pasta: Substitute reduced-fat or turkey bacon, 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, and 2% reduced-fat milk. Proceed as directed.

Recipe from Southern Living April 2007