Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti that combines the crispy, smoky allure of bacon with the rich, nutty essence of Parmesan cheese. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary symphony that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy Italian classic that proves gourmet cooking can be both effortless and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Bacon
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Black pepper
- Parsley
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be generously salted to enhance the pasta's flavor.
- While the water is heating, slice the bacon into small, uniform pieces. This will help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crisp and golden brown, releasing its rich, smoky fat.
- Mince the garlic finely. Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, grate the Parmesan cheese and chop the fresh parsley.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce.
- Drain the spaghetti and immediately add it to the skillet with the garlic. Toss the pasta in the garlic and bacon fat, adding some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the pasta, then generously add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. The bacon will likely provide enough salt, so taste before adding additional salt.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of bacon, cheese, and herbs.
Tips
- Salt is your flavor foundation: Use generously salted water to ensure your pasta is seasoned from within.
- Bacon precision matters: Cut bacon into uniform pieces for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Timing is crucial: Cook bacon slowly to render fat and achieve a perfect golden-brown texture.
- Garlic warning: Always sauté garlic briefly to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Pasta water is liquid gold: Reserve some starchy cooking water to help create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Cheese technique: Grate Parmesan fresh for the most intense flavor and smoothest melting.
- Final toss technique: Mix pasta in the skillet to help it absorb all the delicious bacon and garlic flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
