Carbonara Pasta with Bacon
A classic Italian dish featuring creamy, savory pasta with crispy bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 6 slices bacon (or pancetta), chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with bacon fat and toss to coat. Remove from heat.Add the Sauce: Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed.Finish the Dish: Stir in the crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Avoid overheating the sauce to prevent curdling.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese.