Description
A quick and comforting pasta dish made with bacon, eggs, and Parmesan to create a creamy sauce without heavy cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and season with salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- 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.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the warm skillet. Sauté for about one minute, or until fragrant and softened. Turn off the heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked pepper until smooth.
- 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.
- Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to dissolve any browned bits from the skillet.
- Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet and toss in the bacon liquid.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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