# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 ounces spaghetti or linguine
02 - 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
→ Bacon Crumble
03 - 6 slices streaky bacon, chopped
04 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
→ Garlic Butter Sauce
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
06 - 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
03 - Lower heat to medium-low in the same skillet. Add butter and allow it to melt. Stir in minced garlic and chili flakes, sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
04 - Return drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat well with garlic butter. Add reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan. Stir until sauce is silky and clings to pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Plate pasta and top with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
