Pin 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 to satisfy a craving for something cozy yet exciting, and the crispy bacon really elevated every bite. It quickly became a family favorite, especially on chilly evenings when we want comfort food with bold flavor.
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.
- Make 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.
- Prepare 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 2 minutes until fragrant but do not brown.
- Toss Pasta:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Add 50 ml reserved pasta water and Parmesan. Toss 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 This pasta is always requested by my kids, especially when we share Sunday dinners. The crispy bacon makes it a little extra fun for everyone at the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife, and chopping board are recommended for easy preparation.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and pork (bacon). Use alternative cheese and omit bacon for dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 560, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 21 g per serving.
Pin Enjoy this pasta hot for the best texture. Leftovers reheat beautifully for a delicious lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve a silky garlic butter sauce?
Use reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the butter and Parmesan, tossing gently until the sauce clings smoothly to the pasta.
- → What’s the best way to get crispy bacon crumble?
Fry chopped streaky bacon in olive oil over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- → Can I substitute bacon for a vegetarian option?
Yes, try crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs to mimic the texture and add savory notes.
- → How should I season the dish for balanced flavor?
Salt the pasta water well, use freshly ground black pepper, and adjust salt after tossing pasta with sauce and cheese.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the silky garlic butter sauce well while maintaining al dente bite.