If you’re looking for a satisfying and comforting pasta dish that’s simple to make, look no further than this Spaghetti Carbonara recipe. This classic Italian dish combines pasta with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon.
This meal is a great way to enjoy pasta but in a different way than the typical tomato and Alfredo sauces that we all know and love. With just one taste this recipe will easily become a favorite that you will want to make over and over again.
It is a quick and easy meal that takes very little time to make, which is why I usually make it on a busy weeknight. In addition this recipe uses staple ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen.
The combination of a just a few simple ingredients will allow you get dinner on the table with very little effort. However, just because the ingredients are simple doesn’t mean these flavors are basic.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When you combine the ingredients together you will create a dish that has a rich, sharp, and salty flavor profile that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
What is Spaghetti Carbonara?
Spaghetti Carbonara is known to have originated in Rome, Italy. The name “carbonara” comes from the Italian word “carbone,” which translates to the English word coal. Therefore it’s believed to have been created as a hearty, filling meal for Italian coal miners.
The ingredients were readily available and provided the miners with a nourishing and energizing meal that helped them get through their day. Since that time Spaghetti Carbonara became a widely loved classic dish and over time, it spread in popularity all around the world.
And with just one bite, you will know exactly why that this classic dish is served in restaurants across the globe.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Not only is Spaghetti Carbonara a simple, comforting dish – it’s also quick to make!
With just 5 ingredients you will create a delicious and satisfying meal with little effort. In fact, this recipe comes together in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Not to mention, like most Italian food, it is a classic comfort food recipe. On a cold, blustery day there is nothing better than pasta that is coated in a creamy and cheesy sauce to make you feel warm and satisfied.
However, although it is a classic recipe, it is also extremely versatile. You can customize the dish with other ingredients that you enjoy.
For example, add peas, mushrooms, or other vegetables like diced onions and peppers. You can even use different varieties of cheese to enhance the flavor.
Lastly, this dish can make quite an impression! If you are making a special dinner for two, this dish not only tastes great, the simple combination of ingredients looks impressive when served. Add a Garlic Knot to each plate and your dinner will be a huge hit!
Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces spaghetti
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 slices bacon*, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
*Bacon is used here because it is a common household ingredient. However, feel free to substitute pancetta, guanciale, or diced ham.
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
First, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions for al’ dente consistency. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
While you wait for the water to boil, whisk together the egg and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Next, heat a medium size skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook until brown and crispy (approximately 6-7 minutes). Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet.
Reduce the skillet heat to low and stir in garlic. Cook for 30 seconds – 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Stir in the cooked and drained pasta and the egg mixture. Then, gently toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Crumble the cooked bacon and then add it to the pasta. Toss to evenly distribute the bacon throughout the pasta.
Season with salt and pepper and then garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve Immediately
What To Serve With Spaghetti Carbonara
Although this recipe makes for a perfect meal in itself, you can add some things alongside the dish for a filling meal that is sure to satisfy. Here are a few suggestions for making your pasta dish a complete and wholesome meal for everyone to love:
Salad
A crisp and refreshing Caesar salad makes a great side to any pasta meal. Crunchy romaine lettuce leaves are topped with creamy Caesar dressing, garlic croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
For another fresh option, try a colorful Caprese Salad. Thick, juicy tomatoes are layered with creamy mozzarella cheese, and basil. You can then add a drizzle of some oil or balsamic vinaigrette to enhance the fresh flavors. The combination of the sweet tomatoes, creamy cheese, and herbs really compliment this incredible Italian meal.
Vegetables
If you’re in a hurry but still want to add something wholesome, a simple side of steamed broccoli can do the trick. Or any roasted vegetable would make a wonderful side to Spaghetti Carbonara.
Use whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Place the veggies on a baking sheet with some olive oil, salt and herbs, and bake until the veggies are just tender.
With the salty, crispy bit of bacon, tender pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce, you can’t go wrong with just about any salad or vegetable as a side dish.
Looking for more American-Italian inspired favorites?
Enjoy! Mary
Follow My Facebook Page For Great Recipes For Two! I Cook For Two Facebook Page
To receive FREE recipes delivered directly to your email, be sure to sign up for the iCookfortwo newsletter. A sign up form is located in the middle of this article. If you have any questions, comments, or want to submit an idea for a recipe for two, feel free to email at mary@icookfortwo.com
Spaghetti Carbonara
A quick, easy and delicious dinner recipe that is full of flavor and ready to eat in only 20 minutes. Pasta tossed in a creamy sauce made from egg and Parmesan cheese with real bits of bacon scattered throughout.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces spaghetti
- 1 large eggs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain.
While you wait for the water to boil whisk together the egg and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Heat a medium size skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook until brown and crispy (approximately 6-7 minutes). Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet.
Reduce the skillet heat to low and stir in garlic. Cook for 30 seconds - 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Stir in the cooked and drained pasta and the egg mixture. Gently toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the pasta. Toss to evenly distribute the bacon throughout the pasta. Season with salt and pepper and garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve Immediately
Notes
Top with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
*Bacon is used here because it is a common household ingredient. However, feel free to substitute pancetta, guanciale, or diced ham.
Recipe provided by iCookfortwo.com
Nutrition Information
Yield 2Amount Per Serving Calories 233Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 115mgSodium 607mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 14g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.