Linguini Delight

What's delightful about this dish? Well, I didn't have to visit the grocery store! If you're like me and keep a few common pantry items around, you'll be able to concoct your own version of Linguini Delight. Have fun with it!

 Ingredients

• 6 ounces linguini or other noodle-type pasta
• 2-3 strips bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup cream or half and half
• 1 teaspoon chicken base

Directions
Cook pasta according to pasta directions. Drain and set aside. In the meatime, in a medium saute pan, cook bacon on medium heat, crumble, and set aside. To bacon drippings, add enough olive oil to equal 3 tablespoons. Add chopped onion and saute on medium high until translucent. Add 1 tablespoon butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Saute 1 for minute, stirring frequently. Add cream or half and half and chicken base. Stir on medium low heat for 1 minute or until heated through. Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss. Serve with a sprinkle parmesan cheese.

Notes
Haven't used chicken base? It's a great way to add a chicken flavor to your dishes. Basically, it a jar of powdered chicken broth. You just scoop out what you need. It's similar to bouillon, but the brand I use isn't quite as salty. It lasts a long time in the pantry. I've used leftover ham chopped finely and ham base for this basic leftover recipe, too. Add vegetables, too, if you need to use 'em up!