Garlic Bacon Pasta (Quick & One-Pan)

A deliciously simple pasta dish featuring crispy bacon and garlic in a silky sauce. The key to perfect bacon pasta is timing and temperature control. Keep it simple, and let the ingredients shine!

KEY INFO

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Contains gluten, dairy, pork

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large pot
• Large skillet/frying pan
• Colander
• Cutting board & knife
• Wooden spoon
• (Alternative: Deep sauté pan can replace skillet)

INGREDIENTS

For the Pasta:

• 450g/1lb spaghetti or linguine
• 200g/8oz thick-cut bacon, diced
• 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 60g/2oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 120ml/½ cup pasta water
• 2 tbsp butter
• Optional: 120ml/½ cup heavy cream

METHOD

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil (should taste like sea water)
2. Cook pasta until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes)
   Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
3. While pasta cooks, heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat
4. Cook bacon until golden and crispy (5-6 minutes)
   Remove with slotted spoon, leaving fat in pan
5. Lower heat to medium, add garlic
   Cook until fragrant but not brown (1 minute)
6. Add cooked pasta to skillet
   Toss with bacon fat and garlic
7. Add butter, reserved pasta water, bacon
   Stir until sauce becomes silky
8. Season with salt and pepper
   Add Parmesan, toss until melted

CRUCIAL TIPS

• Never rinse pasta after cooking
• Save pasta water – it’s liquid gold!
• Watch garlic carefully – it burns quickly
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat with splash of water

Common Mistakes:

• Overcooking pasta
• Burning garlic
• Not saving enough pasta water

Variations:

• Add peas for color and nutrition
• Use pancetta instead of bacon
• Make it creamy with heavy cream
• Add red pepper flakes for heat

The key to perfect bacon pasta is timing and temperature control. Keep it simple, and let the ingredients shine!