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.
Whenever I make this garlic butter pasta, family and friends always ask for seconds. The aroma of sizzling bacon and garlic fills the kitchen and makes it a truly comforting dinner that never fails to impress.
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 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.
- Prepare 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 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using). Sauté gently for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the 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 This dish is a regular hit during weeknight dinners and is especially loved when everyone gathers around the table. My kids always volunteer to sprinkle on the bacon crumble!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), pork (bacon). Parmesan may contain animal rennet so it is not vegetarian.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 560 calories, 25 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, 21 g protein
Save Enjoy this garlic butter pasta hot and fresh for the best flavor. The bacon crumble turns an ordinary meal into something special every time!
Recipe Help
- → How do I achieve crispy bacon crumble?
Chop streaky bacon into small pieces and fry over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the garlic butter sauce well and complement the bacon's texture.
- → Can I adjust the garlic flavor intensity?
Yes, finely mince fresh garlic and sauté gently in butter without browning for a mellow flavor; increase cloves for a stronger taste.
- → How does reserved pasta water enhance the sauce?
Starchy pasta water helps bind the butter and Parmesan into a smooth, silky coating that clings to the pasta.
- → What alternatives can replace bacon crumble for different diets?
For a vegetarian touch, crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs offer similar texture and savoriness.