Crispy Bacon Linguine (Printable Version)

Quick Italian-inspired pasta featuring crispy bacon, garlic, and linguine tossed in a silky, creamy sauce. Ready in 25 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz linguine
02 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Bacon & Sauce

03 - 7 oz bacon, diced
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
06 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1.4 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
11 - Zest from 1/2 lemon (optional)

# How-to Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook, stirring, until crispy and golden, about 6–8 minutes.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Add chopped garlic and black pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
04 - Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with the bacon. Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and toss well to coat, adding more water as needed to create a creamy, glossy sauce.
05 - Remove from heat. Add grated Parmesan and toss until melted and the sauce is silky. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon zest if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent an hour on it but takes less time than ordering takeout.
  • The pasta water does all the work of making it creamy without any cream or butter.
  • Crispy bacon and garlic make everything taste like a treat even on a Tuesday.
  • You probably already have everything you need sitting in your kitchen right now.
02 -
  • Always save more pasta water than you think you need, you can't go back for it once the pot is drained.
  • Add the Parmesan off the heat or it will clump and turn stringy instead of melting smoothly.
  • Don't skip salting the pasta water generously, it's your only chance to season the noodles from the inside.
03 -
  • Use a skillet big enough to toss the pasta comfortably or everything ends up on the counter.
  • Warm your serving bowls with hot water first so the pasta doesn't cool down the second you plate it.
  • If the sauce tightens up before serving, a splash of pasta water and a quick toss brings it back to life.
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