pasta carbonara recipe

Pasta Carbonara Recipe

This pasta carbonara recipe is a classic Italian-inspired dinner made with spaghetti, crispy bacon, freshly grated Parmesan, eggs, and plenty of starchy pasta water. The result is a silky, creamy sauce without needing heavy cream, making this easy carbonara perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Discover more flavorful recipes like Pasta Carbonara Recipe right here.

Ingredients

  • 10 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 8½ cups water, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 1¼ cups finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  • Add the bacon and ½ cup of water to a large nonstick skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  • Simmer until the water evaporates, about 6 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bacon is brown and crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes more.
  • Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour the bacon into the strainer, reserving about 1 teaspoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
  • Return the skillet to the heat and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Transfer the garlic to a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat, eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  • Meanwhile, bring the remaining 8 cups of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add the spaghetti and salt, then cook until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta into a colander set over a large bowl, reserving the pasta water. Measure out 1 cup of the hot pasta water.
  • Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the empty large bowl.
  • Slowly whisk ½ cup of the hot pasta water into the egg mixture. Gradually pour the mixture over the pasta while tossing continuously to coat.
  • Add the crispy bacon and toss to combine. Season with additional salt if needed.
  • Let the pasta rest for 2 to 4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the carbonara sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.
  • Add the remaining ½ cup of hot pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings