# What you'll need:
→ 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
# Method:
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 pasta.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and fry until crispy and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat; set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and chili flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the garlic butter. Stir in reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan, tossing until the sauce is smooth and clings to the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Plate the pasta and top with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
