Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

Sauté Garlic
Add butter to the skillet with the bacon grease. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the crispy bacon. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serve & Garnish
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper.