Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe
This Classic Italian Carbonara recipe with bacon combines al dente pasta, creamy eggs, Parmesan, and crispy bacon for a rich and indulgent dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or other pasta
- 4 oz bacon or pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Toss the hot pasta with the bacon and garlic. Slowly mix in the egg mixture, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Work quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- For authentic carbonara, avoid cream; the sauce comes from the eggs and cheese!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg