Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of classic Italian Pasta Carbonara with crispy bacon. This simple yet luxurious dish combines al dente spaghetti, a silky egg‑cheese sauce, and smoky bacon for a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (225 g) thick‑sliced bacon
- Kosher salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound (450 g) dried spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9‑11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 5‑6 minutes. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate and crumble.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, grated Parmesan, grated Pecorino, and a generous pinch of black pepper until smooth.
- Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the hot pasta to the bacon and toss to coat.
- Slowly pour the egg‑cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, adjust seasoning with more pepper or cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, use pancetta or Guanciale. If you’re avoiding pork, substitute turkey bacon or omit the meat entirely. The sauce can be reheated gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen it. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 155
Keywords: pasta, carbonara, bacon, Italian, comfort food