Classic Bacon Carbonara Pasta (Quick & Easy) Recipe
This Classic Bacon Carbonara Pasta is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy thick-cut bacon, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy sauce made from eggs and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights that requires simple ingredients and minimal hands-on cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pastas and Proteins
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Cheese and Flavorings
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
Liquids
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic (Optional): If using garlic, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove skillet from heat to prevent burning the garlic.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Bacon Fat: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon fat (and garlic if used). Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the fat.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Turn off the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while stirring vigorously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Stir the crispy bacon pieces back into the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to avoid curdling when added to the hot pasta.
- Do not reheat the pasta on high heat after adding the egg mixture, as this can cause the eggs to scramble. Off heat stirring is key.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- The reserved pasta water contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce, making it silkier.
- Feel free to substitute pancetta for bacon for a more traditional carbonara flavor.
Keywords: Carbonara, Bacon Pasta, Classic Italian, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta Sauce, Weeknight Meal
