Garlic Bacon Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Bacon: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Bacon is a simple yet indulgent dish that effortlessly blends the savory flavors of crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and vibrant red chili flakes. This dish, a classic Italian pasta recipe, makes for a perfect dinner to impress your loved ones or to enjoy a cozy weeknight meal. With its balance of rich textures and savory notes, it is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Serve it with a glass of wine, and you’re all set for a delightful dining experience.

Recipe Overview:

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Dinner
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: Serves 4

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving):

Instructions:

1. Boil the Spaghetti:

   • Start by bringing a large saucepan of water to a brisk boil. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti pasta and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
   • Cook the pasta until it reaches the “al dente” stage, tender yet firm to the bite. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta, then immediately run it under cold tap water to halt the cooking process. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta and toss gently to prevent it from sticking. Set aside.

2. Crisp the Bacon:

   • In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon strips over medium heat until they become crispy and golden. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan, leaving behind the rendered fat. You can either discard the fat or use it in the next step for added flavor.

3. Prepare the Aglio e Olio Sauce:

   • In the same skillet (with the leftover bacon fat or olive oil), drizzle in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
   • Add the chopped garlic and sauté it over low heat, stirring occasionally until it turns lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
   • Stir in the red chili flakes and mixed dried herbs, allowing them to infuse the oil for about 30 seconds.

4. Combine Pasta and Bacon:

   • Once the garlic has sautéed to perfection, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic and oil mixture.
   • Add the crispy bacon strips and toss again to combine all the ingredients.

5. Final Touches:

   • Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning by adding salt to your liking.
   • Once the flavors have melded together, turn off the heat and transfer the pasta to a serving dish.
   • Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley leaves.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Bacon immediately while hot, ideally accompanied by a fresh glass of wine. For a full Italian meal experience, pair it with a side of herbed dinner rolls and a comforting bowl of cream of celery soup.

Tips for Perfection:

• Pasta Water: For an extra silky texture, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. You can add a little bit of this starchy water to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta better.
• Bacon Options: For a twist, try using pancetta or even turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to regular bacon.
• Cheese: For a richer, more indulgent taste, use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses.

Enjoy this delightful Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Bacon recipe that brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your table in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, it is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!