Description
Classic Bacon Carbonara Pasta is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and black pepper. This comforting pasta recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Bacon and Aromatics
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Sauce
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. If using garlic, add it to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon (remove from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs). Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly and continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling when mixing with hot pasta.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce consistency and ensure a creamy texture.
- For a smoky flavor, use thick-cut bacon over thinner strips.
- Garlic is optional but adds a nice subtle aroma and flavor to the dish.
- Avoid reheating Carbonara to prevent the eggs from curdling; enjoy freshly made.
Keywords: Carbonara, Bacon Pasta, Italian Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta