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 made this garlic butter pasta for a family dinner when I needed something both indulgent and fast. The crispy bacon on top made everyone ask for seconds!
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.
- Make the 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. Set aside.
- Prepare the 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 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 to Pinterest My kids now help toss the pasta in the sauce, and the sizzle of bacon brings everyone to the kitchen every time. Sharing this meal is always a joyful, delicious moment.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife and chopping board
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 560, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 21 g
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
Save to Pinterest This pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot, with a final sprinkle of Parmesan for ultimate richness.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the garlic butter sauce well and provide a satisfying texture.
- → How do you achieve crispy bacon crumble?
Chop streaky bacon and cook it 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 garlic offers a gentle heat without overpowering the buttery sauce.
- → What is the role of reserved pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the garlic butter and Parmesan into a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- → How can I substitute bacon for a vegetarian option?
Use crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs to mimic the crunchy, savory texture without meat.