One Pot BLT Pasta

One Pot BLT Pasta
Compliments of It’s a Keeper
www.everydaytastes.com
12 slices of bacon, divided
4 cups chicken broth
2-14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
12 oz uncooked linguine pasta
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley, chopped
4 oz cream cheese
1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
Halved grape tomatoes
Slice the bacon cross wise into strips.  Cook in a large skillet with high sides for 8-9 minutes, or until crisp.  Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.  Drain skillet, leaving 1 tbsp of bacon drippings in the skillet.
Place broth and diced tomatoes in a large bowl.  Microwave, covered, on high for 6-8 minutes or until hot.  Return skillet to heat and add onion and red pepper flakes.  Saute for 2-3 minutes or until tender.  Add garlic and cook for 10-20 seconds.  Add broth mixture, pasta, salt and half of the cooked bacon.  Simmer covered for 9-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked by still firm.  Stir occasionally.
Remove skillet from heat and add cubed cream cheese, grape tomatoes and parsley, reserving 1 tbsp of parsley for garnish.  Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.  Serve with remaining bacon, grated Parmesan cheese and reserved parsley.