Easy Garlic Bacon Pasta Recipe

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the salt and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the packet suggests.1 tbsp / 1 ½ tablespoon salt1 lb / 450 g dried spaghetti
2. Once the pasta is cooked reserve 2 ½ cups of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.

Whilst the Pasta is Cooking

1. Chop the bacon into smallish dice, add a tablespoon of the olive oil to a frying pan then cook the bacon over medium high for 4-5 minutes until crispy.10-12 strips / 8 thick cut bacon
2. Whilst the bacon is cooking peel and thinly slice the garlic.6 / 7 large garlic cloves
3. Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon, leaving the oil and bacon grease behind.
4. Reduce the heat under the pan and add the remaining olive oil (see note )and the sliced garlic. Stir constantly for 2 minutes and as soon as the garlic has softened but not yet colored, add ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and turn the heat back up.3 tbsp / 60 ml olive oil
5. Boil this mixture for a minute then add in the now drained pasta, keeping the frying pan on the heat.
6. Add a further ½ cup of pasta water and toss and stir the pasta in the sauce until it is cooked to your liking. You might need to add more pasta water.
7. Once your garlic 'sauce' has coated the pasta, add the cooked bacon and any collected juices back into the pasta then season to taste. (Depending on the saltiness of your bacon you might need salt, but it will definitely want some pepper)
8. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and grated parmesan. freshly grated Parmesan cheese chopped fresh parsley