Description
This Crispy Bacon Linguine is a deliciously simple Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked linguine tossed with crispy thick-cut bacon, fragrant garlic, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s an ideal recipe for a satisfying weeknight dinner that delivers a comforting blend of textures and tastes. Garnished with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra cheese, this dish balances savory bacon with subtle heat and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Bacon and Aromatics
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked linguine aside.
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped thick-cut bacon and cook for 7–8 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, placing it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the garlic and spices: Remove excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. If necessary, add olive oil to reach about 1 tablespoon of fat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked linguine back into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the garlicky bacon fat mixture.
- Add cheese and bacon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the crispy bacon pieces. Toss everything together again until the pasta is glossy and well-coated.
- Season and serve: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the linguine hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese along with the Parmesan.
- Add peas or sautéed spinach to include vegetables and increase the nutritional value.
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
