Killer Pasta Alfredo(esque) With Chicken & Bacon

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 cup butter (two sticks)
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 3 -4 garlic cloves, crushed (minced garlic is an okay substitute)
• 3/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated (or good aged parmesan)
• 2/3 cup bacon, crumbles
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (precooked is okay)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons italian seasoning mix
• 16 ounces pasta (1 box)
• 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered (optional)

Recipe

• 1 mix olive oil, lemon juice, and italian seasoning mix in small bowl for marinade.
• 2 cut chicken into small pieces; marinate in above mixture for 1 hour.
• 3 cook chicken in small skillet (if not precooked).
• 4 separately, boil pasta according to directions.
• 5 put pasta, chicken, and bacon crumbles in a large bowl; set aside.
• 6 place butter and cream cheese in saucepan on very low heat.
• 7 once butter/cream cheese mixture is melted, whisk in heavy cream, crushed garlic, pepper, and parmesan cheese. cook on low for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly with whisk.
• 8 when mixture is smooth and warm (not hot) remove from stove and add to bowl with pasta mixture. toss.
• 9 if desired, top with quartered cherry tomatoes.