Looking for a quick dinner that's creamy, comforting and packed with flavor? This easy spaghetti carbonara is a quick and delicious Italian classic, ready in just 25 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe creates a rich sauce without using cream.
This classic Italian dish is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple ingredients yet packed with flavor. To prepare this easy spaghetti carbonara, you only need bacon, spaghetti, olive oil, eggs and Parmesan cheese. The result is a deliciously creamy carbonara that highlights the beauty of traditional Italian cuisine - simple ingredients transformed into an irresistible pasta dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day of the week.
I'm a big fan of Italian cuisine, so I decided to recreate some of its most iconic recipes to share on Food From Portugal. From a classic Homemade Margherita pizza and comforting Baked cannelloni, to a rich and creamy Tiramisu dessert, these easy recipes bring the authentic flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen.
This easy and creamy spaghetti carbonara with bacon is one of the most popular Quick dinner recipes featured on Food From Portugal. If you’re a fan of simple, flavorful pasta recipes, don’t miss this Easy salmon pasta, Spaghetti bolognese and this Chicken stew with spaghetti recipe.
Ingredients for Easy Spaghetti Carbonara (Ready in 25 Minutes)
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this classic carbonara recipe:
- Spaghetti - The base of the dish, providing a tender texture that absorbs the creamy carbonara sauce.
- Bacon - Adds a smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture that makes every bite more delicious.
- One whole egg and one egg yolk - Create the rich sauce that gives carbonara its characteristic creaminess, without using heavy cream.
- A drizzle of olive oil - Helps cook the bacon and garlic while adding a subtle touch of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic - Adds an aromatic and delicious flavor that complements the bacon and cheese.
- Grated Parmesan cheese - Melts into the eggs to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Pepper - Adds a spicy touch and enhances the overall flavor of the carbonara.
- Water - To cook the spaghetti.
- Salt - Seasons the spaghetti as it cooks.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this spaghetti carbonara recipe.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti Carbonara
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes or according to the package instructions. Turn off the heat and use a skimmer to transfer the spaghetti to a colander to drain.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg yolk. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 3: In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil, chopped garlic and the bacon cut into small pieces. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Turn off the heat. Working quickly, add the cooked spaghetti and the egg and cheese mixture. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Finish with pepper and serve serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
• Add mushrooms - Sauté sliced mushrooms with the bacon for extra flavor.
• Use Pecorino Romano - Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a more traditional Italian flavor.
• Add peas - Frozen peas add color and a little more flavor.
• Extra garlic - If you love garlic, add one or two extra cloves.
Tips for Easy Spaghetti Carbonara
• Use freshly grated Parmesan - Fresh Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese and creates a smoother sauce.
• Cook pasta al dente - The pasta will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot bacon. After adding the pasta to the boiling water, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
• Remove the skillet from the heat - That's the secret to a creamy carbonara. Adding the eggs directly over heat will scramble them instead of creating a smooth sauce.
• Toss immediately - As soon as you add the egg mixture, stir continuously so every strand of spaghetti is evenly coated.
• Finish with ground black pepper - Ground black pepper enhances the flavor and gives carbonara its classic finish.
FAQs
Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?
Absolutely, pancetta is a common alternative that still adds great flavor.
Why did my carbonara scramble?
The pan was too hot. Mix the eggs off the heat or work quickly.
Can I make bacon carbonara with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) are the classic and traditional cheeses used in this recipe, but you can use whatever works best for your taste preferences.
Do you need cream in carbonara?
No. The traditional carbonara uses eggs and cheese to create a creamy texture.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but linguine or fettuccine also work very well.
You May Also Like
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- Spaghetti with fresh sausage and bacon
- Simple spaghetti
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- Easy lasagna casserole
- Creamy tuna pasta
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Easy Spaghetti Carbonara (Ready in 25 Minutes)
Looking for a quick dinner that's creamy, comforting and packed with flavor? This easy spaghetti carbonara is a quick and delicious Italian classic, ready in just 25 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe creates a rich sauce without using cream.
- 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) raw bacon
- 150 grams (5 1/3 ounces) spaghetti
- 2 large whole eggs (one whole egg and one egg yolk)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
- Water to cook the spaghetti
- Salt (to taste)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes or according to the package instructions. Turn off the heat and use a skimmer to transfer the spaghetti to a colander to drain.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg yolk. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Set aside until ready to use.
- In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil, chopped garlic and the bacon cut into small pieces. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the garlic is fragrant.
- Turn off the heat. Working quickly, add the cooked spaghetti and the egg and cheese mixture. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Finish with pepper and serve serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Love your receipes. I have travelled to Portugal many times which was mainly for the food. Have you any receipes for Seafood Rice and Peri Peri Chucken
Hi Mary,
Thank you for the words.
– Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken: https://www.foodfromportugal.com/recipes/portuguese-peri-peri-chicken/
– Portuguese Seafood Rice: https://www.foodfromportugal.com/recipes/seafood-rice/
Happy Cooking!