# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz 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, to serve
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, reduce heat and add unsalted butter. When melted, stir in minced garlic and chili flakes if using. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning the garlic.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat fully with the garlic butter. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the sauce is silky and adheres evenly to the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Plate immediately and top with crispy bacon crumble, chopped parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
