In the realm of pasta dishes, there is something extraordinary to be had with the combination of pasta, bacon and cheese. Here is a quick recipe that works with on-hand ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- 5 ounces pasta shells (any pasta will do)
- 3 slices bacon
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 small cloves garlic, crushed
- flour (equal weight grease; approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook pasta according to directions, erring on the side of al dente; drain and set aside.
- While pasta water is boiling, fry your bacon and set aside.
- Weigh out your bacon grease and leave it in a separate container.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon pan and then remove and set aside.
- Return bacon grease to the pan and get flour portioned of equal weight ratio to grease.
- Cook flour in grease to form a roux and then add the milk SLOWLY, whisking to prevent clumping.
- Add in the onion and the garlic to the gravy mixture.
- Add in 1 1/4 cup of the cheese to the pan and continue heating until melted into a nice cheese sauce.
- Chop the bacon and add it to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into a glass baking dish and fold in the pasta, topping it with the remaining cheese.
- Bake, uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until cheese on top has melted.
ENJOY!!