# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
→ Bacon & Aromatics
02 - 7 oz smoked bacon or pancetta, diced
03 - 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
→ Sauce
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 - Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Fry diced bacon until golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Retain 1 tbsp bacon fat in skillet and discard the rest.
03 - Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without coloring.
04 - Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, cooked bacon, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if needed.
06 - Season with salt and additional pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
07 - Portion onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
