Flavorful Bacon Aglio e Olio Pasta
Easy Homemade Bacon Aglio e Olio Pasta Recipe
We’ve enhanced the classic Aglio e Olio with the addition of savory bacon, creating a richer and more profound flavor. This Bacon Aglio e Olio is sure to elevate your meal.
Main Ingredients- Pasta (for 1 serving, approx. 80-100g)
- Bacon, 4 strips (approx. 100g)
- Garlic, 6 cloves
- Avocado oil (or olive oil), 3-4 Tbsp
Seasoning & Extras- Coarse salt, 1 tsp (for pasta water)
- Salt, 1 tsp (for seasoning)
- Pepper, 1 tsp
- Coarse salt, 1 tsp (for pasta water)
- Salt, 1 tsp (for seasoning)
- Pepper, 1 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Adding about 1 tablespoon of avocado oil (or olive oil) to the water before it boils helps prevent the pasta from sticking and makes it more lustrous when cooked.
Step 2
Measure out your pasta – about 80-100g is typically a good portion for one serving. This is a bit more than the size of a 500-won coin and should make for a satisfying meal. Feel free to adjust the portion based on your appetite!
Step 3
Once the water is at a rolling boil, add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt and then your pasta. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pasta you use. For thicker pasta like the fettuccine I used, cooking for about 7-8 minutes is ideal (always check the package instructions!). While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the garlic and cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil (or olive oil) in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and gently sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
When the garlic starts to turn golden, add the chopped bacon to the pan and cook alongside the garlic. The bacon will render its fat, adding a wonderful depth of flavor. (Tip: If you add the bacon too late, it might not render enough fat, leading to a drier dish. Add it around the time the garlic is becoming golden!)
Step 6
Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the frying pan with the garlic and bacon. Add about one ladleful of the starchy pasta water. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly to emulsify the sauce, coating the pasta evenly with the oil and bacon. This step helps create a beautiful, glossy sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt if needed. Once the flavors are balanced, plate your delicious Bacon Aglio e Olio pasta immediately and enjoy!
