Delicious Bacon Aglio e Olio Pasta
Delicious Bacon Aglio e Olio Pasta
Simple and Flavorful Bacon Aglio e Olio Pasta
This pasta was quickly made for a leisurely weekend lunch. I considered adding a cream sauce but was captivated by the crispy, pan-fried bacon, so I opted for a light and simple olive oil base. It’s a delightful dish that highlights the savory notes of bacon.
Ingredients- 5 strips of bacon
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 servings of pasta
- 1.5 Tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)
- 2 pinches of red pepper flakes or chili powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 Tbsp of salt to the boiling water, then add 2 servings of pasta and cook for approximately 13 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, cut 5 strips of bacon into bite-sized pieces (about 6 pieces per strip). Peel and thinly slice the 3 cloves of garlic. Make sure the garlic slices aren’t too thin so they don’t burn easily.
Step 3
Heat 3 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden. Avoid burning the garlic, as this will affect the flavor.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cut bacon to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is browned and crispy. The rendered bacon fat will combine with the olive oil to create a delicious base.
Step 5
When the bacon is nicely crisped, add 2 pinches of red pepper flakes (or chili powder) to the skillet. Stir well to distribute the spice evenly with the oil and bacon. Cook for just a moment to release the aroma, being careful not to burn.
Step 6
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the bacon, garlic, and chili flakes. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. This will help emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 7
Add 0.5 Tbsp of salt (adjust to taste, remembering the bacon is salty) and a pinch of black pepper. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Continue tossing until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
Step 8
Serve the pasta in a bowl. Top with the crispy bacon and sautéed garlic. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley flakes for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
