Pin It 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 tried this garlic butter pasta when I wanted a comforting meal that brought both richness and crunch to the table. Ever since then, it has become my go-to for easy weeknight dinners that still feel special.
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.
- 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 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. 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 minute 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.
Pin It Whenever I make this for my family, the aroma of frying bacon and garlic brings everyone into the kitchen with big smiles. It is a dish that instantly turns any meal into a celebration!
Required Tools
You will need a large pot, a skillet or frying pan, tongs, a colander, and a chefs knife with a chopping board for easy prep and cooking.
Notes
Omit the bacon and swap for crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs to make a vegetarian version. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors wonderfully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 560 calories, 25 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates and 21 g protein.
Pin It This pasta is perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings. Enjoy each creamy bite with the crunch and savor of bacon!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly al dente pasta?
Cook pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water, following package timing closely. Drain promptly to maintain firm texture.
- → What’s the best way to get crispy bacon crumble?
Chop streaky bacon and cook in olive oil over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → Can I substitute the bacon for a vegetarian option?
Yes, replace bacon with crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs to retain texture and flavor contrast.
- → How is the garlic butter sauce made silky?
Butter is gently melted and combined with minced garlic and reserved pasta water, which helps emulsify and coat the pasta smoothly.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan add brightness and enhance savory notes without overpowering the main flavors.
- → Any suggestions for serving beverages?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon pairs well, balancing the richness of the dish.