Spaghetti Aglio E Olio With Bacon
When it comes to Italian cuisine, spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon is a classic dish that is both flavorful and easy to make. This pasta dish combines the simplicity of garlic and olive oil with the smokiness of bacon, resulting in a dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients and steps involved in making this dish, as well as some variations and tips to make it even better.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients needed to make spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
As you can see, the ingredients are pretty simple and easy to find at any grocery store. If you're a vegetarian or don't eat pork, you can skip the bacon and still have a delicious dish.
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, use tongs to transfer it to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated in the garlic and oil mixture.
- Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and toss everything together again.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if using).
That's it! Your spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon is ready to be enjoyed. This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
Variations
While the basic recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon is delicious on its own, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Replace the bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for a different flavor.
- Add some chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for some color and sweetness.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
- Top the dish with some toasted breadcrumbs for some extra crunch.
Tips
To make your spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon even better, here are a few tips:
- Make sure to cook the garlic over low to medium heat, otherwise it can burn and become bitter.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti, as it can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Save some pasta water before draining the spaghetti, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it's too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon turns out perfectly every time.
Conclusion
Spaghetti aglio e olio with bacon is a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try today?