Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, luxurious pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, silky eggs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti - all in just 25 minutes! This Easy Bacon Carbonara is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove bacon from skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Add minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Immediately add hot pasta to the skillet with garlic. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing rapidly to coat and create a creamy sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Fold in crispy bacon pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs to help create a smoother, more consistent sauce.
- Work quickly when mixing eggs with hot pasta to prevent scrambling.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial - it helps create the perfect creamy consistency.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the bacon - you want crispy pieces, not burnt.
- Toss the pasta vigorously when adding the egg mixture to create a silky, even coating.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 130mg
