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.
The first time I made this for my family, there were no leftovers— everyone went back for seconds, loving the crunch of bacon against that silky sauce. It&apost;s such a reliable favorite that now my kids request it for birthday dinners.
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 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 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside.
- Prepare 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 2 minutes until fragrant, but do not brown.
- Toss Pasta and Finish 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 Sharing this meal around the table, I love seeing everyone digging in, twirling noodles and arguing playfully over who gets the last bacon crumb. It always brings laughter and warmth.
Variations
For a vegetarian twist, swap bacon for crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs. Try adding a handful of baby spinach for extra greens, or sprinkle lemon zest on top for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio if you like wine, or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option. A simple green salad rounds out the meal beautifully.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and pork. Always check your ingredient labels carefully, especially Parmesan cheese, which may include animal rennet.
Save Savor every bite—this pasta is best enjoyed hot, with that bacon crumble still perfectly crisp. The simple steps yield such comforting flavors you'll want to make it again soon.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you achieve 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.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine work well, as their shape holds the silky garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- → Can chili flakes be omitted?
Yes, they are optional and can be skipped or adjusted to taste for a milder flavor.
- → How is the garlic butter sauce prepared?
Butter is melted gently, then minced garlic is sautéed briefly to release aroma without browning. Pasta water and Parmesan are added to create a smooth, clingy sauce.
- → What substitutes can replace bacon crumble?
For a vegetarian option, crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs can add texture and savoriness in place of bacon.
- → How do you prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat low when adding garlic to melted butter and sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, without browning.