Spicy Garlic Bacon Pasta

Steps

How to make it

Prep 6 min · Cook 14 min

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil with a pinch of salt; cook 80 g pasta 8–10 minutes per package until al dente (slightly firm to the bite); drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Cut 60 g bacon into small pieces and slice 4 garlic cloves thin.
2. Start bacon in a cold skillet; over medium-low heat, render 3–4 minutes until fat releases and edges are crisp; remove bacon, leaving fat in the pan.
3. Add garlic and 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes; cook over low heat until fragrant (about 30 seconds—do not burn), then pour in 3 tbsp pasta water and 1 tbsp olive oil and bring to a boil.
4. Add pasta and bacon; toss over high heat about 1 minute until the noodles coat in the garlicky chili oil.
5. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper (bacon is salty—go easy on salt); serve hot right away.

Tips & storage

Make it easier

• Skip chili if you prefer—still fragrant.
• Drain vegetables well before cooking; excess water steams them and softens the texture.

Best eaten immediately.

Substitutions