Garlic Butter Pasta Bacon (Printable)

Silky garlic butter sauce coats pasta, finished with crispy bacon crumble and a touch of Parmesan and parsley.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 cheese, to serve

# Steps:

01 - 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.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and chili flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter. Pour in reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan, tossing until sauce is silky and adheres to pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Plate pasta and top with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Irresistible crispy bacon and garlic flavor
02 -
  • Parmesan may contain animal rennet so dish may not suit vegetarians.
  • This recipe contains wheat, milk and pork check labels if allergies exist.
03 -
  • Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if pasta sits before serving.
  • For extra flavor add a squeeze of lemon juice when tossing the pasta.
Go Back