Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with crispy bacon—just reading that makes my stomach do a happy dance. The sizzle of bacon, the aroma of garlic mingling with olive oil—it’s like a warm hug in pasta form. I stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through foodie Instagram late one night, and immediately, I knew I had to try it. It’s simple, yet somehow feels decadent, like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
Steps
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until it becomes crispy, then remove it from the pan while keeping the bacon fat inside. Pat the bacon strips with paper towels to remove excess grease, and chop them into smaller pieces.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Ensure to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Reheat the pan containing bacon fat over medium heat and add the garlic, allowing it to brown slightly. Be careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and let them cook for a few additional seconds.
- Pour the reserved pasta water into the pan with the garlic and chili flakes, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce by about one-third.
- Add the cooked pasta to the reduced garlic sauce, tossing everything together to combine well. Mix in the chopped bacon, parmesan cheese, and parsley, then quickly remove the pan from heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve the dish warm.
Ingredients
- 250 grams of spaghetti
- 6 slices of bacon
- 4 cloves of garlic
- ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes
- A handful of chopped parsley
- 1 cup of reserved pasta water
FAQ
- Can I use another type of pasta instead of spaghetti for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta varieties such as fettuccine, linguine, or even penne, depending on your preference.
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. To enhance the flavor, consider adding more garlic or incorporating mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- How can I store leftovers of Bacon Spaghetti Aglio Olio?
- Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the pasta has dried out.
- What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley available?
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, you can use dried parsley, though use it sparingly as dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor. Alternatively, you can garnish with fresh basil or cilantro for a different taste.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- To increase the spiciness, simply add more red chili flakes or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Tips
- Make sure to save the pasta water before draining; it is essential for achieving the right sauce consistency.
- Brown the garlic in the bacon fat carefully to enhance its flavor without burning it.
- Allow the sauce to reduce to about a third for a more concentrated flavor before adding the pasta.
- Use paper towels to blot excess fat from the cooked bacon for a less greasy texture.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – for cooking bacon and making the sauce.
- Large Pot – for boiling the pasta.
- Pasta Strainer – for draining the cooked pasta.
- Garlic Press – for mincing garlic.
- Grater – for grating parmesan cheese.