Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
Make the Sauce
Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the sauce, tossing to coat.
If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Preparing the Perfect Pasta
Start by picking a top-notch pasta like spaghetti or linguine. Boil a big pot of water and add a lot of salt. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then to stop sticking.