Save 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.
I first made this pasta for a weeknight dinner when I wanted something indulgent but fuss-free. The crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top disappeared fast & everyone asked for seconds!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti or linguine, 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 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, about 6&8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower heat and add butter. After melted, add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using). Sauté gently for 1&2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Pasta:
- Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter. Add 50 ml reserved pasta water and Parmesan, tossing until sauce is silky and clings to pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish & Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save The kids love sprinkling the crispy bacon on their plates themselves. It makes dinner a little more interactive and fun for everyone in the family!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), pork (bacon). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 560, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 21 g
Save Serve this pasta straight from the pan for best flavor and texture. The bacon crumble stays crispy until the last bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Lower the heat when sautéing garlic in butter and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning to keep a delicate flavor.
- → Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes, spaghetti or linguine work best for coating with sauce, but other long pasta shapes like fettuccine or bucatini are good alternatives.
- → How is the bacon crumble prepared?
Chop streaky bacon and fry in olive oil until crispy and golden, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat before sprinkling over the pasta.
- → What is the role of reserved pasta water?
Adding reserved pasta cooking water helps create a silky sauce that clings evenly to each strand of pasta, enhancing texture and flavor.
- → Can this dish be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, replace the bacon crumble with crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs for similar crunch and flavor depth.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio complements the rich garlic butter and smoky bacon without overwhelming the flavors.