Spaghetti Carbonara

why make this recipe

Spaghetti Carbonara is fast, simple, and full of flavor. You can make it with few ingredients and little fuss. If you want other quick pasta ideas, try the green spaghetti recipe for more simple dishes.

introduction

This Spaghetti Carbonara recipe uses bacon, eggs, and Parmesan to make a creamy sauce without cream. The sauce forms from the hot pasta and beaten eggs. It cooks fast, so you will eat in about 20 minutes. Try the dish when you want a warm, comforting meal that is easy to make.

why make this recipe

You should make this recipe because it is:

• Quick to cook.
• Cheap and needs few ingredients.
• Rich and comforting.
  The method teaches you how to make a creamy sauce with eggs and pasta water, not heavy cream.

how to make Spaghetti Carbonara

Follow these steps and work quickly so the eggs set but do not scramble.

Ingredients :

• 3 oz. bacon (cut into small pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 12 oz. spaghetti (dried, any type)
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan (divided)
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• Handful fresh parsley (optional, chopped)

Directions :

1. Fill a large pot with water and season with salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. While waiting for the water to boil, cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Turn the heat down to low.
3. Mince the garlic and add it to the warm skillet. Sauté for about one minute, or until fragrant and softened. Turn off the heat.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked pepper. Make sure everything is well-mixed to form a smooth mixture.
5. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
6. Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir the water to dissolve any browned bits from the skillet.
7. Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet and toss in the bacon liquid.
8. Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot pasta. Stir or toss immediately to combine. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
9. Add the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan, reserved bacon bits, and more freshly cracked pepper. Toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
10. Taste the pasta and adjust with more salt, Parmesan, or pepper as needed. Optionally, top with chopped parsley.

how to serve Spaghetti Carbonara

Serve the carbonara hot on warm plates. Add extra Parmesan at the table. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well. For a different meal idea, you can also enjoy a bowl with roasted vegetables or try it with a creamy beef option like the gnocchi with creamy beef carbonara sauce for variety.

how to store Spaghetti Carbonara

Cool the pasta to room temperature for no more than one hour. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze, as the eggs may change texture when thawed.

tips to make Spaghetti Carbonara

• Use hot pasta when you add the egg mix so the sauce becomes creamy.
• Reserve pasta water; it helps make a smooth sauce.
• Stir quickly after adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
• Use good Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper for best flavor.
• For an easy swap, use pancetta instead of bacon or try a baked chicken pasta like slow cooker chicken spaghetti when you want hands-off cooking.

variation (if any)

• Add peas or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
• Use pancetta or guanciale instead of bacon for a more traditional taste.
• Some cooks add a splash of cream for a richer sauce, but it is not traditional.

FAQs

Q: Can I use cream in Carbonara?
A: Yes, you can add a small splash of cream, but the classic method uses eggs and pasta water to make the sauce.

Q: How do I stop the eggs from scrambling?
A: Remove the pan from direct heat and toss quickly. Use hot pasta and add reserved pasta water little by little if needed.

Q: Can I make Carbonara without bacon?
A: You can use pancetta, guanciale, or even cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 15–20 minutes from start to finish.

Q: Is Parmesan the same as Pecorino?
A: They are different. Pecorino is saltier and tangier. You can mix both or use one you like.

Conclusion

For another trusted recipe and more tips on classic carbonara technique, see the Carbonara Recipe – NYT Cooking.

Spaghetti Carbonara

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• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pasta, Comfort Food

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Description

A quick and comforting pasta dish made with bacon, eggs, and Parmesan to create a creamy sauce without heavy cream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 oz. bacon (cut into small pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 12 oz. spaghetti (dried, any type)
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan (divided)
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• Handful fresh parsley (optional, chopped)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and season with salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. While waiting for the water to boil, cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Turn the heat down to low.
3. Mince the garlic and add it to the warm skillet. Sauté for about one minute, or until fragrant and softened. Turn off the heat.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked pepper until smooth.
5. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
6. Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to dissolve any browned bits from the skillet.
7. Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet and toss in the bacon liquid.
8. Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot pasta. Stir or toss immediately to combine, allowing the heat from the pasta to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
9. Add the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan, reserved bacon bits, and more freshly cracked pepper. Toss everything together and adjust with more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
10. Taste the pasta and adjust with more salt, Parmesan, or pepper if necessary. Optionally, top with chopped parsley.

Notes

Use hot pasta when adding the egg mixture for a creamy sauce. Reserve pasta water for a smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 190mg

Keywords: Spaghetti, Carbonara, Quick Pasta, Italian Recipe, Comfort Food