Save 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 when craving something indulgent yet simple, and it instantly became a favorite. The crispy bacon crumble adds the kind of texture that makes every bite memorable.
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.
- 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 to a plate lined with paper towels and 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, 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, 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 This recipe quickly became a weekend comfort dinner that my whole family looks forward to, especially on chilly nights when we gather around the table. There's always someone reaching for seconds!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet or frying pan, tongs, colander, chefs knife and chopping board are all you need for prep and cooking.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), pork (bacon). Parmesan is often made with animal rennet; always check labels if cooking for vegetarians or those with dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 560, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 21 g. Please note, these values are estimates and may vary with ingredient brands.
Save Enjoy this garlic butter pasta while warm, with plenty of fresh parsley and Parmesan on top. Perfect with a crisp drink for a relaxing dinner.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I achieve the crispy bacon crumble?
Chop streaky bacon into small pieces and fry over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat and keep crispy.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, replace bacon with crispy fried mushrooms or toasted breadcrumbs for a similar texture and added flavor without meat.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal choices as their shape holds the garlic butter sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- → How to prevent garlic from burning while cooking?
Sauté minced garlic gently in melted butter over low heat for 1–2 minutes without browning to release aroma without bitterness.
- → What enhances the flavor of the sauce?
Adding reserved pasta water and freshly grated Parmesan helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta with balanced seasoning.