Bacon spaghetti carbonara

Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara is a creamy Italian dish that marries smoky bacon with egg and Parmesan cheese, resulting in rich flavors. It's quick to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

13 Dec 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
10 strips bacon
6 oz pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 dash black pepper

Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara is a delightful and creamy Italian pasta dish that combines the richness of eggs and Parmesan cheese with the smoky flavor of bacon. It's an easy-to-make recipe that uses simple ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress your guests.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. Measure out 1/2 cup and set it aside. Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly. Set this aside as well.

2. Cook the Bacon:
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is heated, lay the bacon strips in a single layer. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, turning occasionally, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once the bacon has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Pasta:
While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the remaining water and set the pasta aside.

4. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg and grated Parmesan cheese. Slowly stir in a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to temper the egg mixture, preventing it from scrambling when added to the hot pasta.

5. Combine Ingredients:
In the same skillet used for cooking the bacon, discard most of the bacon fat but leave a tablespoon in the pan for flavor. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the oil. Remove the skillet from the heat.

6. Mix the Sauce and Pasta:
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly and thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the egg and create a creamy sauce. If the mixture appears too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

7. Add Bacon and Pepper:
Stir in the bacon pieces until they are evenly distributed. Season with a dash of black pepper to taste.

8. Serve:
Divide the Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara among serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and more black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple yet luxurious dish that showcases the beauty of classic Italian cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a favorite. Enjoy your homemade carbonara with a sprinkling of black pepper and extra Parmesan cheese, and savor every bite!

Bacon spaghetti carbonara FAQ:

How long should I cook the pasta for carbonara?

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

What can I use instead of bacon in this recipe?

You can substitute bacon with pancetta or guanciale for a more traditional flavor. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh.

How do I know when the carbonara is done?

The carbonara is done when the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce without any scrambled egg lumps. The residual heat from the pasta should cook the egg mixture smoothly.

Can I make carbonara ahead of time and store it?

It's best to serve carbonara immediately after preparation for optimal creaminess. If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.

What type of pasta works best for carbonara?

While spaghetti is common, you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce well.

Tips:

- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot bacon and sauce.

- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

- Tempering the egg mixture with a bit of hot pasta water can prevent the eggs from scrambling.

- Serve the dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 320kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 1.37g
Sugar 1.17g
Fat 20g

Bacon spaghetti carbonara