Kimchi Bacon Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g Spaghetti (or linguine)
• 120 g Bacon
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 120 g Kimchi
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Olive oil(optional)
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• to taste Salt(optional)
• 1 tbsp Kimchi juice (from the jar)(optional)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, chop bacon and mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp, about 6–8 minutes; add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add kimchi (and kimchi juice if using) to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to warm and lightly reduce.

4. 4

   Lower heat, add butter and black pepper, then toss in drained pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to coat evenly. Taste and add salt only if needed. Serve immediately.