Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of Buttery Garlic Soy Sauce Pasta, a dish that beautifully marries the rich umami of soy sauce with the creamy texture of melted butter. Tossed with al dente spaghetti, crispy bacon, and tender spinach, each bite offers a delightful fusion of East meets West. The subtle heat from the Calabrian chili adds just the right amount of spice, making this pasta dish not just comforting, but also excitingly flavorful.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal, this pasta recipe is impressively easy to whip up yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Its simple elegance makes it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe promises a rewarding cooking experience and a delicious outcome.
Full Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 90g spaghetti
- 35g bacon
- 50g spinach
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 Calabrian chili pepper
- 25g unsalted butter
- 10cc men-tsuyu (noodle soup base)
- 5cc soy sauce
- 120cc pasta cooking water
- Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve 120cc of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely chopped Calabrian chili pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, add the men-tsuyu, soy sauce, and reserved pasta cooking water. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the spinach and cooked bacon to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this pasta dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s quick without sacrificing quality or flavor.
- Flavorful: Every ingredient in this recipe has been chosen to create a harmony of flavors that are robust yet not overwhelming, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.
- Versatile: Feel free to tweak the recipe based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. The dish can be easily adapted for vegetarian options or made spicier with additional chili.
Ingredients Spotlight:
- Spaghetti: The foundation of any great pasta dish, our recipe uses spaghetti that cooks up perfectly al dente, providing a satisfying texture that’s essential for soaking up the sauce.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the pasta and spinach. Its salty flavor intensifies the overall umami of the dish.
- Spinach: This leafy green is not only packed with nutrients but also adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic and Calabrian Chili Pepper: These aromatics are sautéed to release their vibrant flavors — garlic providing a pungent kick, while the Calabrian chili pepper introduces a subtle heat that lingers on the palate.
- Buttery Soy Sauce: The real star of the show, this sauce combines unsalted butter’s creamy richness with the deep, salty tang of soy sauce and men-tsuyu. This mixture creates a silky, flavorful coating for the pasta that’s both comforting and bold.
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! The starchy water not only helps to bind the sauce to the spaghetti but also helps in adjusting the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
- Final Touch: For an extra touch of flavor and texture, top the finished dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a pleasant saltiness and a hint of nuttiness which rounds out the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this pasta as a hearty main course, perhaps accompanied by a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner yet elegant enough for a social gathering where you want to impress your guests with your culinary flair.
Incorporate this Buttery Garlic Soy Sauce Pasta with Bacon and Spinach into your cooking repertoire and enjoy a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!