Creamy Carbonara-style Pasta (without egg)

• 🍝8 oz pasta≈ $3.95
• 🥄4 slices bacon, chopped≈ $3.10
• 🧅1/2 onion, finely chopped≈ $0.25
• 🫒1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if bacon fat is insufficient)≈ $0.75
• 🥛1 cup milk≈ $1.30
• 🍞1 tbsp all-purpose flour≈ $0.25
• 🧂Salt to taste≈ $0.25
• 🌶️Pepper to taste≈ $1.10

Prices are rough US grocery estimates per ingredient and may vary by store and season.

1. 1

   Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

   Mark as done
2. 2

   While pasta cooks, chop bacon and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.

   Mark as done
3. 3

   If needed, add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.

   Mark as done
4. 4

   Sprinkle flour over the onion and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

   Mark as done
5. 5

   Season the sauce with salt and plenty of black pepper. Stir in the cooked pasta and most of the crispy bacon.

   Mark as done
6. 6

   Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

   Mark as done
7. 7

   Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon.

   Mark as done