Name: Classic Bacon Carbonara Pasta (Quick & Easy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of your choice); 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional); 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 cup reserved pasta water

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Introduction

Classic Bacon Carbonara Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that combines crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

A black bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with thick, lightly yellow noodles covered in a rich, smooth white sauce. On top are small crispy pieces of browned bacon and a sprinkling of grated cheese, with a small cluster of green parsley in the center. The dish has a slight shine from the sauce, and tiny black pepper specks are scattered throughout. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with bread and a glass of dark red wine, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 3: If using garlic, add it to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon fat (and garlic if used). Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Stir vigorously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 7: Stir the crispy bacon pieces back into the pasta and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the bacon for extra depth.
For a richer sauce, use heavy cream sparingly, but traditional carbonara uses only eggs and cheese.
Be sure to temper the eggs by removing the skillet from heat before adding them to avoid scrambling.
Freshly grind black pepper for the best flavor contrast with the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up of a black bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta layered with a smooth yellow sauce, topped with crispy red-brown bacon pieces scattered across the top. The pasta is sprinkled with black pepper and finely grated white cheese, garnished with a small sprig of green herbs in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini depending on your preference.

Why does the sauce sometimes scramble?

The sauce can scramble if the eggs are added while the pan is still too hot. To avoid this, remove the skillet from heat before mixing in the egg mixture and stir quickly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.