Garlic Butter Pasta Bacon (Printable)

Silky garlic butter coats tender pasta, finished with a golden bacon crumble for vibrant texture and taste.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz spaghetti or linguine
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

→ Bacon Crumble

03 - 6 slices streaky bacon, chopped
04 - 1 teaspoon olive oil

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
06 - 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

# How-To:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and fry until crispy and golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to low in the same skillet. Add butter and melt, then stir in minced garlic and chili flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with garlic butter. Stir in reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes silky and adheres to the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Plate the pasta immediately and top with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich, buttery garlic flavor with every bite
  • Crispy bacon crumble adds irresistible texture
02 -
  • Parmesan cheese may not be vegetarian due to animal rennet.
  • Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens including gluten and dairy.
03 -
  • For a vegetarian version, use crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs instead of bacon.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
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