The Best Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe Ever

Culinary magic happens when you master classic italian carbonara with bacon, a dish that whispers comfort from roman kitchens.

Pasta lovers adore this creamy delicacy with its silky sauce and crisp bacon bits.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet elegant recipe.

Authentic carbonara demands quality ingredients and careful technique to achieve its signature smoothness.

Each forkful tells a story of traditional italian cooking, blending eggs, cheese, and smoky pork into a harmonious blend.

Salt, pepper, and patience create the perfect balance in this beloved roman classic.

We promise this recipe will transport you straight to an italian trattoria with its first delectable bite.

Italian Carbonara With Bacon – Flavor Journey

• Quickly Create Gourmet Meal: Master an authentic carbonara with simple ingredients, transforming everyday pantry staples into a restaurant-quality dinner in minutes.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, creamy texture and crispy bacon bits that make this pasta irresistibly delicious.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even beginner cooks can nail this recipe with straightforward steps and basic techniques that guarantee a foolproof, impressive meal.

Ingredient List For Authentic Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic long pasta that provides the perfect foundation for this traditional Italian dish.

• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element to enhance the overall flavor of the carbonara.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta with a luxurious texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty taste that is essential to authentic carbonara.
• Garlic: Provides a subtle aromatic depth to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the bacon and create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the carbonara.
• Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, green note to the finished dish.

Carbonara Steps For Creamy Pasta At Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop spaghetti into a pot of generously salted boiling water.

Cook until the pasta reaches a tender yet firm al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles in a colander.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced bacon and sizzle until the pieces turn golden and crispy.

Quickly add minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for a brief moment, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Mixture

• Whole eggs
• Extra egg yolks
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Create the Silky Carbonara

Transfer the hot spaghetti and bacon mixture to the skillet.

Immediately remove from heat and swiftly fold in the egg mixture.

Toss and coat the pasta thoroughly, allowing the residual heat to create a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Splash in reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a dreamy, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the carbonara immediately while piping hot.

Shower with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Carbonara Pasta: Simple Tips For Success

• Save that starchy liquid gold to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding eggs to prevent scrambling, ensuring a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Cook bacon until golden and crispy for maximum flavor and satisfying crunch in your carbonara.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most authentic and rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Plate and serve immediately while the pasta is hot to maintain the ideal creamy consistency and temperature.

New Twists For Classic Carbonara Recipes

• Pancetta Perfection: Replace bacon with traditional Italian pancetta for an authentic Roman-style carbonara with richer, more delicate flavor.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu to create a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture and umami essence.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the classic carbonara's creamy consistency.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized cauliflower or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.

Plating Bacon Carbonara Beautifully

• Pasta Party Platter: Create a vibrant Italian-style spread with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper on the side for guests to personalize their carbonara.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay that complements the creamy, rich flavors of the carbonara.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Rustic Bread Bonus: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic crostini to soak up any remaining sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.

Saving Bacon Carbonara For Later Meals

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Gently warm carbonara in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent eggs from scrambling.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a small amount of milk or cream to prevent sauce from becoming dry or clumpy.
• Carbonara's delicate egg-based sauce doesn't freeze well. Eggs tend to separate and become grainy when thawed, compromising the dish's smooth, creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Is Carbonara difficult to make?

Not at all! The key is working quickly when mixing hot pasta with egg mixture to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

• Can I substitute bacon with another meat?

Absolutely! Traditional carbonara uses guanciale (cured pork cheek), but pancetta or regular bacon work great as alternatives.

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky, emulsified sauce and helps the egg mixture coat the pasta evenly without clumping.

• How important is the cheese in this recipe?

Parmesan is crucial – it adds saltiness, depth of flavor, and helps thicken the sauce while providing a classic Italian taste profile.

Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy perfection meets Roman tradition in this classic Italian carbonara with bacon, where silky eggs, crisp pancetta, and sharp pecorino romano dance together. Comforting pasta brings authentic Italian flavors right to your plate, promising a delightful culinary journey through Italy’s beloved cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 4 ounces (113 grams) bacon or pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, about 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then introduce olive oil. Add bacon pieces and sizzle until golden and crisp, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the bacon, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, additional egg yolks, and finely grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
5. Transfer the piping hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with crispy bacon. Immediately remove from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
6. Pour the silky egg mixture over the pasta, swiftly tossing and coating each strand. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a luxurious, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
7. Plate the carbonara immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan shavings and fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap bacon for pancetta or guanciale to maintain authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling when mixing with hot pasta.
• Create silky sauce by stirring egg mixture off direct heat, ensuring smooth texture without curdling.
• Adjust pasta water quantity carefully to control sauce consistency, adding gradually for perfect creamy result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 528 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg