Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara with Bacon

Indulge in the classic Italian delight of Spaghetti Carbonara, a creamy, satisfying dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal. This version adds a smoky twist with bacon, making it even more irresistible. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is straightforward and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: 12 ounces (340 grams)
• Bacon: 6 slices, thick-cut, diced
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Eggs: 4 large
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (about 100 grams), finely grated, plus extra for serving
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This will help to create the sauce.
4. Drain: Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Do not rinse.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

1. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and diced bacon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
2. Garlic Addition: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. Mix Eggs and Cheese: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously until well combined. The mixture will be slightly thick.
2. Season: Add salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the egg mixture. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Mix Pasta and Bacon: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Toss to coat the pasta in the bacon drippings.
2. Form the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat, slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, tossing quickly to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs. The residual heat will thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce thickness.
3. Final Adjustments: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve Garnished: Serve the carbonara immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if using.

Recipe Summary

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 520 calories

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Carbonara with Bacon, a delightful blend of savory flavors in a creamy, cheesy embrace!