Italian
Pasta
Quick Meal
Pasta Carbonara is a rich and creamy Italian dish made with eggs, parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and spaghetti. A surprisingly quick and comforting meal that feels indulgent!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 200 g
- Bacon or pancetta: 100 g
- Eggs: 2 large (or 1 egg + 2 yolks for a richer sauce)
- Grated parmesan cheese: ½ cup (plus more for serving)
- Garlic: 2 cloves (optional, minced)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Yields: 2 servings
- Cuisine: Italian
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon or pancetta and cook until it is golden brown and crispy. If using, add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and a pale yellow color.
- Combine & Create Sauce: Drain the cooked spaghetti and immediately transfer it to the skillet with the crispy bacon. Toss to coat the pasta in the bacon fat.
- Form the Creamy Sauce: Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta in the skillet. **Toss vigorously and quickly** to create a smooth, creamy sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs without scrambling them.
- Adjust Consistency & Serve: If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing until the desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, topped with more grated parmesan and black pepper.
