Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, smoky allure of perfectly cooked bacon with silky linguini, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen. This Bacon and Linguini Toss is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece in just 20 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick gourmet meal, or someone who believes bacon makes everything better, this recipe is your ticket to instant dinner satisfaction.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguini pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crisp and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the bacon fat. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with garlic and bacon fat. Toss pasta to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and continue tossing to help cheese melt and create a creamy texture.
- Add crispy bacon back to the skillet and gently mix to distribute evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick to the pasta.
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render out fat and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Garlic Warning: Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing – it can burn quickly and turn bitter. 30-45 seconds is your sweet spot.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Grate Parmesan fresh and add it off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy coating.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Chopped parsley isn't just a garnish – it adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet, when the cheese is still melty and the bacon is crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
