Garlic Butter Pasta Bacon (Printable)

Silky garlic butter sauce over pasta with golden crispy bacon crumble delivers rich texture and flavor.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 ounces 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, to serve

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente following package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove bacon onto paper towels to drain excess fat, then set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and chili flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the sauce is glossy and adheres to the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Irresistible combo of creamy garlic butter and crispy bacon texture
  • Quick to make for a comforting weeknight dinner
02 -
  • Parmesan often contains animal rennet, so the dish is not vegetarian unless you use a veggie-friendly cheese
  • For best results, always reserve some pasta cooking water for the sauce
03 -
  • Add drained pasta directly to the skillet for maximum sauce absorption
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce texture
Return