$5 Dinner Challenge -- Scallops and Bacon Spaghetti

The original idea for this came from this recipe, which tastes so good. Tonight I changed it up a little and added scallops (my grocery store sells small scallops on sale for $1 for 8 oz) and broccoli. Granted they aren't the highest quality of scallops I could buy, they still taste pretty good. This recipe could easily be done with fresh scallions and broccoli from the garden cutting the cost down in order to buy higher quality scallops.

Scallops and Bacon Spaghetti

16 oz small scallops ($2)

2 slices bacon (.80 or less)

1 broccoli head, chopped (.99)

1 cup scallions (.10)

3/4 lb spaghetti (.75)

2 cloves garlic (.25)

1 tbsp lemon juice (.15)

Total = $5

1. In large pot cook pasta. Drain when done and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. While pasta is cooking, fry bacon in large skillet on medium until browned -- 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Put bacon on paper towel using slotted spoon.

4. Add broccoli, scallions, and garlic to skillet. Cook, stirring frequently.

5.Add scallops for 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water and bring to just a boil.

7. Add scallop mixture and lemon juice to pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Thin sauce with pasta water as needed.

8. Sprinkle with bacon on top.

For more frugal recipes, check out the $5 Challenge!