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 one rainy evening and it instantly became a family favorite. The crispy bacon crumble adds an unbeatable texture that transforms a simple pasta night into something 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 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.
- Crisp Bacon:
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic:
- 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.
- Finish Pasta:
- 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 This pasta has become my go-to for busy nights when everyone craves comfort food. Even picky eaters in my family ask for seconds!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), Pork (bacon). Parmesan may contain animal rennet. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 560, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 21 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Serve this garlic butter pasta hot for the best texture. The crispy bacon and fresh parsley really make every bite special.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the silky garlic butter sauce well and complement the crispy bacon texture.
- → How can I make the garlic butter sauce without browning the garlic?
Cook garlic gently over low to medium heat until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes, avoiding high heat which can cause browning and bitterness.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta cooking water?
The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling smoothly to the pasta strands for better coating.
- → Can I substitute the bacon crumble for a vegetarian option?
Yes, crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs make excellent alternatives providing similar texture and savory notes.
- → How should I reheat leftovers while keeping the sauce creamy?
Gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water or extra butter to restore the silky sauce texture.