Smoky Tomato Bacon Pasta (Gluten Free & Organic)

Today it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL outside! Hardly any humidity, it hasn't hit 80 degrees yet, the sun is bright, and the sky is blue with hardly a cloud in the sky. Very uncharacterstic KY summer day....and I LOVE IT!!!

So, what better reason is there to post a new recipe. Now, this one is super easy and absolutely delicious. I originally got it from Paula Deen's Family Cookbook that I received (signed) when Jen and I went to see her. I love this recipe and I've made it several times. Seriously....it has bacon in the title. What's not to love??? It easily makes enough for 6 people, but it's just fine for a couple because the leftovers are just as yummy!

I adapted it to make it both GF and organic and served it when we had Molly & Eric over for lunch the day. There's not as many pictures of this since I was enjoying my time with our guests.

You'll need:

• 1/2 lb. bacon (~10 slices) I got mine from Hillside Heritage Farm at the Lexington Farmer's Market thanks to a recommendation from a friend. I will never look back!
• 1 large organic onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz.) can of organic diced tomatoes, undrained
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 4 oz. organic cream cheese (1/2 of a package)
• 1 lb. gluten-free pasta First time I used the Tinkyada brand & LOVED it! I used penne, but the original recipe calls for rigatoni. Hard to find GF rigatoni, go figure!

1. In a large bowl, begin to boil your water and cook your pasta according to the box/bag. Tinkyada gave energy saving instructions. Just had to boil water, boil pasta for 1-2 minutes, turn off heat, and cover for 20 minutes. Pasta came out perfect and it was very energy efficient!

2. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp & brown. Place bacon on a paper-lined plate. Pour off all but 1/4 c. of fat from skillet.

3. Add the onion & cook over medium heat, stirring occassionaly until soft (5-7 min).

4. Stir in diced tomatoes & crumbled bacon. Season with salt & pepper & simmer until thick & chunky (~10 min). Stir cream cheese in until melted.

5. Pour sauce over pasta & mix together. Serve immediately.

See, how easy is that! This picture was taken after we devoured it because I was too distracted and hungry to take one when it was ready. Better late than never, right?

I definitely recommend trying it. Eric is a picky eater and doesn't care for onions & tomatoes (great recipe for him, right?), but he ate around it and said he still really liked the taste.

I served this with fresh green beans (not pictured) that I just steamed. I placed them in a collander, put a tiny bit of organic olive oil on them, and grated some fresh Parmesan on them. They went together well.

Enjoy the recipe and enjoy this GORGEOUS day!!!