Save to Pinterest A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring silky garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and finished with a golden, crispy bacon crumble for irresistible texture and flavor.
The first time I made this pasta, my family couldn&t get enough of the crunchy bacon topping and the luscious garlic butter sauce. It quickly became a weeknight favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti or linguine, plus 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
- Bacon Crumble: 6 slices streaky bacon (chopped), 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Garlic Butter Sauce: 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, 4 large garlic cloves (finely minced), 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional), 50 ml (1/4 cup) pasta cooking water, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make Bacon Crumble:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and fry until crispy and golden. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower heat and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using). Sauté gently until fragrant, but do not brown.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in garlic butter. Add 50 ml reserved pasta water and Parmesan, tossing until the sauce is silky and clings to the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately topped with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest Whenever everyone sits down for dinner, the aroma alone brings smiles around the table, and even picky eaters ask for seconds because bacon makes everything special.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife, and chopping board are helpful for preparing this dish efficiently.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 560 calories, 25 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 21 g protein.
Notes
For a vegetarian twist, swap bacon for crispy mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness, and the pasta pairs beautifully with Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
Save to Pinterest With golden bacon crumbles and the silky garlic butter, this pasta makes any night feel special. Enjoy it straight from the pan while the flavors are fresh and vibrant.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a silky garlic butter sauce?
Use reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the butter and Parmesan mixture, tossing the pasta so the sauce clings smoothly without separating.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal choices as their shape holds the garlic butter sauce well and complements the bacon texture.
- → How can I make the bacon crumble crispy without burning it?
Cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Yes, include or omit the chili flakes according to your heat preference for a subtle warmth or none at all.
- → What can I use as a bacon alternative?
Try crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs to replicate texture and add savory notes for vegetarian versions.
- → How to store leftovers properly?
Keep cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to preserve sauce texture.