This is actually a variation from my favorite pasta aglio e olio- which my family thinks is kind of bland.
Well, I told them, especially to the husband and the little one that – it’s because aglio e olio is the equivalent of garlic rice, it means, we pair this with meat or chicken or fish to make a complete meal.
To make them appreciate it more and make it a one bowl dish, I thought I would add in some crispy fried bacon.. lots of it and for some greens, I added in a bunch of basil.
Lots of garlic and chili pepper flakes go in too which makes the husband and I very happy and satisfied.
For the little ones though, you can separate their portion before adding in more chilli pepper flakes, if they’re not used to it yet!
Happy Cooking!
![](https://www.latestrecipes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/baconbasilchilipepperpasta2.jpg)
Enjoy! ü
Bacon Basil and Chili Pepper Pasta
Ingredients
- 10-12 ounces Caserecce Pasta or spaghetti pasta / uncooked
- 500 g Lean Bacon pan-fried or broiled crisp / torn into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil extra virgin
- Garlic minced
- Fresh Basil chiffonade or torn into pieces
- Chili Pepper Flakes
- Red Hot Dutch Cheese or parmesan cheese / grated
Instructions
- Put some water in a pot big enough for your pasta.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, add a fistful of salt and add pasta.
- Bring to a boil again, cover pot and turn off fire or take it off of the stove.
- The pasta will be cooked the same way while saving some electric/gas bill. You're welcome. 🙂
- Drain pasta when it's al dente but reserve some pasta water as you may need it for later to loosen the sauce.
- Meanwhile.. Heat a skillet or shallow pan over medium-high heat.
- Add bacon, it'll help to cut the bacon in half crosswise first so it'll fit in the pan.
- Cook the bacon really crisp.
- Lay in paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Set aside and repeat with the remaining bacon.
- Throw the oil from the pan and replace with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Lower the heat and add in the minced garlic, then the chili flakes.
- Add the cooked pasta and the fresh basil.
- Turn the pasta to coat with oil, you may need to add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season with ground black pepper, more chili flakes then add in the bacon pieces.
- Grate some red hot dutch cheese or sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving…and more chili flakes if it pleases you. 🙂
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine..or white, your choice.