Name: Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti pasta; 8 ounces bacon, diced; 2 large eggs; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Fresh parsley, roughly chopped to garnish

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If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and impressive yet incredibly straightforward, you’re going to adore this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!). It’s a beautiful marriage of al dente spaghetti enveloped in a silky sauce made from eggs and Parmesan, accented by crispy bacon bits and a touch of black pepper. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking — simple ingredients treated with love and technique to create something utterly memorable and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a classic crowd-pleaser, this carbonara delivers big on flavor and warmth with minimal fuss.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) lies in how just a handful of staple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a hint of indulgence. Each item plays a vital role, from the salty crunch of bacon to the creamy Parmesan that binds the sauce, making every bite a delight.

1 lb spaghetti pasta: Choose spaghetti for its perfect balance of thickness and ability to hold the sauce.
8 ounces bacon, diced: Provides crispy, smoky bites that are essential for authentic flavor.
2 large eggs: The foundation of the silky carbonara sauce without using cream.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish: Adds sharp, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers a subtle heat and aroma that elevates the dish.
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used to cook the bacon and infuse the dish with fruitiness.
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped to garnish: Brings a fresh pop of color and brightness to balance the richness.

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!)

Step 1: Whisk the Egg and Cheese Mixture

Start by combining your eggs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these together until smooth and fully blended. Setting this mixture aside allows you to focus on preparing the other components without stress, and it’s the base that will transform your pasta into something truly luscious.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your diced bacon. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are crisp and golden but still tender inside. This perfectly renders the fat and provides those irresistible bacon bits that add texture and smoky flavor throughout the dish. When it’s ready, remove from the heat but save 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan—it’s packed with flavor and key to coating the pasta.

Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti

While the bacon crisps up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; that starchy water will be crucial for achieving the right sauce consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Bacon

Immediately toss the drained spaghetti in the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. This step ensures that every strand of pasta is luxuriously coated with flavor and fat, creating a glossy base for the sauce to cling to.

Step 5: Temper the Egg Mixture

To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly whisk one tablespoon of the hot pasta water into the egg and cheese mixture. This gentle warming, or tempering, raises the temperature of the eggs gradually so they’ll blend smoothly when added to the pasta.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

Pour the tempered egg mixture slowly into the pasta and bacon skillet, stirring constantly. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, transforming it into a silky, creamy sauce without any cream at all.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water

If the sauce feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring after each addition. Typically, around 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time works well, but you might end up adding about half a cup in total, depending on how saucy you love your carbonara.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Taste and adjust with extra salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan to add that visual appeal and an extra burst of cheesy goodness. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the plate and lightens the rich flavors, while an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a sharp, savory touch that makes the dish feel special and inviting. You can also add a pinch of cracked black pepper for a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect—ideal for mopping up any luscious sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful twist, serve carbonara in individual shallow bowls topped with a crispy sage leaf or thinly sliced spring onions. You could also twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress your guests or loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools but can be loosened back to its creamy texture when reheated correctly.

Freezing

Because carbonara is egg-based, freezing is not ideal. Freezing can disrupt the sauce’s texture, causing it to become grainy or separate. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a couple of days stored in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore the silky texture of the sauce and keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?

Absolutely! Pancetta is the traditional choice for carbonara and offers a fantastic flavor. If you have it on hand, try substituting it for bacon—it will make your Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) taste even closer to authentic Italian versions.

Why don’t we add cream to carbonara?

Traditional carbonara relies on eggs and cheese to create a creamy sauce, which keeps the dish light yet rich. Adding cream is more common in American variations but isn’t necessary for the velvety sauce you achieve here.

Can I make carbonara vegetarian?

While the bacon or pancetta is essential to authentic carbonara flavor, you could replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to maintain a smoky depth. Just remember it won’t have the exact same taste but still makes a delicious meal.

What type of cheese is best for carbonara?

Parmesan is the classic choice and gives a sharp, nutty flavor. You can also use Pecorino Romano or a blend of both for a tangier kick. Just make sure to grate it fresh for the best melting quality.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Tempering the eggs by whisking in hot pasta water before mixing with the pasta is key. Also, remove the skillet from direct heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid overheating, stirring quickly to combine the sauce smoothly.

Final Thoughts

You’re now armed with a warm, inviting recipe that turns simple pantry staples into a dish worthy of celebration. Enjoy the cozy comfort and rich flavors of Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) whenever you want a satisfying Italian meal with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this timeless favorite, just like I did!

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara (Quick and Easy!) Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Experience the authentic flavors of Italy with this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe. Quick and easy to prepare, this creamy pasta dish combines crispy bacon, freshly grated Parmesan, and a luscious egg sauce tempered with pasta water to create a perfect balance of rich and savory. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti pasta
8 ounces bacon, diced
2 large eggs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped to garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Bacon: Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the diced bacon and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp around the edges. Remove from heat, save 3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat, and drain the rest. Return the reserved bacon fat to the skillet.
Cook the Spaghetti: While bacon is cooking, boil the spaghetti pasta in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Toss Pasta with Bacon: Immediately add the drained spaghetti back into the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cooked bacon. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the flavorful fat.
Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly add one tablespoon of the hot reserved pasta water to the egg and cheese mixture while whisking vigorously. This step gently raises the temperature of the eggs to prevent scrambling later.
Combine Sauce and Pasta: Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture into the bacon and pasta skillet, stirring constantly to ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly and thickens slightly without curdling.
Adjust Consistency: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency. Approximately 1/2 cup total is typically used, but adjust based on preference.
Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh eggs and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
Tempering the eggs prevents them from scrambling when mixed with hot pasta.
Save some pasta water; its starch helps to create a creamy carbonara sauce without cream.
Bacon can be substituted with pancetta or guanciale for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian