Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistibly savory Spaghetti with Bacon recipe—a perfect marriage of crispy, caramelized bacon and al dente pasta tossed in a garlicky, chili-infused olive oil sauce. This quick and easy dish, ready in just 30 minutes, is topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of vibrant parsley for the ultimate burst of flavor. The balanced heat from red chili flakes and the creamy richness of the Parmesan make each bite indulgent yet satisfying. Ideal for busy evenings or a casual dinner party, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s both comforting and full of gourmet flair. Perfect for lovers of simple pasta recipes, this dish highlights bold, classic Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Meanwhile, chop the bacon into small bite-sized pieces and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, remove excess bacon grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add the red chili flakes to the skillet and stir to combine. If the spaghetti is done cooking, reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic and chili flakes. Toss well to coat the spaghetti in the flavorful oil mixture.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the spaghetti and create a light sauce. Toss continuously until the spaghetti is well-coated and glossy.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and additional salt if needed.
Grate the parmesan cheese directly onto the spaghetti and toss to combine. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
Calories |
1325 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.1 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.9 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 3620 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.5 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 56.5 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 770 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 539 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.