# 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, to serve
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente following package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and fry for 6 to 8 minutes until crisp and golden. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
03 - Reduce heat to low in the same skillet. Add unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and chili flakes if using, sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the garlic butter. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce forms a silky, clingy coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with the crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
