Flavorful Bacon Aglio e Olio Pasta
The Ultimate Bacon Aglio e Olio: A Perfect Oil-Based Pasta Recipe for Home Gatherings
On a relaxing day, I made Aglio e Olio at home with friends. This recipe is for a delicious oil-based pasta with bacon, perfect for sharing.
Pasta Ingredients- 4 servings of pasta (approx. 320-400g)
- 10 cloves fresh garlic (adjust to taste)
- Plenty of thick-cut bacon (generous amount)
- 1 Tbsp dried red chili flakes (adjust spiciness)
- Generous amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil (enough to generously coat the pan base)
- Pinch of black pepper (freshly ground recommended for best flavor)
- Pinch of salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients. Slice the garlic thinly (or mince it, if you prefer). Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. You can use whole dried chili flakes or crush them for more heat.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out, making it more flavorful.
Step 3
Add the 4 servings of pasta to the boiling water. Cook uncovered for about 7 minutes, or 1 minute less than the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together while it cooks.
Step 4
While the pasta is cooking, reserve about 1-2 cups of the starchy pasta water using a ladle. This water is crucial for emulsifying the sauce and achieving the perfect consistency. Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and set aside.
Step 5
Pour a generous amount of olive oil into a large skillet – enough to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Ample olive oil is key to the rich flavor of this pasta.
Step 6
Heat the skillet over medium heat. Once the olive oil is warm, add the sliced garlic and dried chili flakes. Gently sauté, allowing the garlic’s aroma to infuse into the oil. Cook until the garlic is lightly golden and fragrant; be careful not to burn it.
Step 7
When the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped bacon to the skillet and sauté it along with the garlic and chili flakes. Cook until the bacon is nicely browned and has rendered some of its fat, which adds extra flavor to the dish.
Step 8
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sautéed garlic, chili flakes, and bacon. Pour in about 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss and mix the pasta, allowing it to loosen up and combine with the oil and aromatics.
Step 9
Continue to cook and toss the pasta for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to emulsify and coat the noodles. If the sauce seems too dry, add a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For an extra burst of garlic flavor, you can stir in some minced garlic at this stage.
Step 10
Finish by generously grinding fresh black pepper over the pasta and giving it a final toss. Your delicious Bacon Aglio e Olio pasta is now ready to be served! Enjoy it while it’s hot.
