Description
Crispy Bacon Linguine is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked linguine tossed with crispy thick-cut bacon, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. This creamy, flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with optional add-ins like sautéed spinach or a soft-cooked egg for extra richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Bacon Sauce
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, if bacon is lean)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Retain about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet, draining the rest. If the bacon is very lean, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt, stirring continuously.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained linguine back into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, allowing the sauce to become creamy and cling to the noodles.
- Combine with Bacon and Season: Stir the crispy bacon pieces into the pasta mixture. Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a soft-cooked egg on top for extra richness and texture.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end before serving.
- Use good quality Parmesan for best flavor and a smoother sauce texture.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create the creamy sauce by adding starch and moisture.
