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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the bacon, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- 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.
- Transfer the piping hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with crispy bacon. Immediately remove from heat to prevent egg scrambling.
- 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.
- 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