Elegant And Affordable: Linguini with Bacon Alfredo

One of the biggest struggles for most of us when it comes to entertaining is being able to do so on a budget.  But budget entertaining doesn’t have to mean frozen pizzas and box mac and cheese.  In my new series, “Elegant and Affordable”, I will share a variety of recipes that can become staples in your entertaining arsenal.  The focus will be on dishes that have ingredients you likely have on hand and make an elegant presentation to “wow” your guests.

Linguini with Bacon Alfredo — modified from Cooking Light Magazine

• 9 ounces dry linguini pasta
• 3 slices bacon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbs flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 1/2 ounces cheese, grated.  I used a combination of parmaesan and asiago
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped — optional for garnish

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid.

While pasta cooks, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat 4 minutes, or until crisp.  Remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings.  Add garlic to drippings in pan; saute 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add flour to pan and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.  Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.  (Tip: This sauce requires you to ALWAYS stir constantly! 🙂 )  Cook until bubbly and slightly thick.  Reduce heat to low.  Gradually add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.  Stir in salt and reserved 1/4 cup cooking liquid.  Add cracked pepper to taste.

Add hot pasta to pan; toss well to combine.  Sprinkle with bacon, as well as parsley if you have it on hand.  (We grow it in our herb garden so we always have it available.)

Serve with a side of steamed broccoli and some garlic bread and you’ve got a lovely meal for you and your guests.   And you didn’t break the bank to do it!