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.
I first fell in love with this dish after a long workday, when all I wanted was comfort food that felt special yet required minimal effort. The crispy bacon and fragrant garlic always transform a simple night into something memorable.
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.
- 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&8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and 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&2 minutes until fragrant, but do not brown.
- Toss Pasta with 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 to Pinterest This pasta is always a hit for family movie night. My kids love helping sprinkle the crispy bacon crumble, and there's never a noodle left behind at the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife and chopping board all make prepping this pasta seamless and enjoyable.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), pork (bacon). Parmesan may not suit vegetarian diets. Always read ingredient packaging for dietary safety.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 560 calories, 25 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 21 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this irresistible pasta right away for the best texture and flavors. Pair with a light salad or sparkling water for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the garlic butter sauce well and provide a perfect base for the crispy bacon topping.
- → How can I achieve a crispy bacon crumble?
Cook chopped streaky bacon in olive oil over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, adding chili flakes while sautéing the garlic gives a gentle heat that complements the butter and bacon flavors.
- → Is there a way to keep the sauce silky and smooth?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add gradually; its starch content helps the sauce cling smoothly to the pasta strands.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish’s flavor?
Fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan add brightness and depth, balancing the richness of the butter and bacon.