Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Bacon: A Classic Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a big plate of spaghetti carbonara, especially when shared around the family dinner table. I remember the first time I tried making this classic Italian dish—it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and my kitchen was filled with laughter and the delicious aroma of frying bacon. It’s these moments that make cooking feel like a warm hug. Today, I want to share my tried-and-true recipe for spaghetti carbonara with crispy bacon. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish
Spaghetti carbonara is a dish that comes with so many reasons to love it, and I’m excited to share why it’s such a favorite in my household and why it might become one in yours too!
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Quick and Easy: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward, and the results are consistently satisfying. It’s all about timing and coordination, which can be mastered with a little practice. The ingredients cook quickly, and once you’ve got everything in motion, the dish comes together in a snap.
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Family Favorite: The creamy sauce and crispy bacon are a hit with both kids and adults. The balance of creamy, savory, and slightly salty flavors makes it universally appealing. Often, it’s the first dish my kids request for their birthday dinners or when they have friends over. It brings smiles to faces and makes every meal feel like a celebration.
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Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Eggs, Parmesan, bacon, and spaghetti are staples in many homes, and even if you don’t have them, they’re easily accessible at any grocery store. This makes it a convenient choice for impromptu dinner plans. Plus, using pantry staples means you can make this dish without needing a special trip to the grocery store.
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Versatile: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, so you can mix and match to suit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something light like a salad or something robust like garlic bread, carbonara can complement it beautifully. You can also add your own twist with seasonal vegetables or herbs.
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Comforting and Satisfying: Perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something hearty and delicious. The warmth of the pasta and the richness of the sauce create a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace, especially during colder months. There’s nothing like a bowl of creamy pasta to lift your spirits and nourish your soul.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces bacon, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cooking pasta al dente is crucial for carbonara; it ensures the pasta retains a slight firmness and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce. This texture is essential for the overall mouthfeel of the dish and helps the sauce cling to each strand.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This step is where the magic of carbonara begins. The mixture of eggs and cheese forms the base of the creamy sauce, which is both rich and flavorful without being too heavy. Ensure that the cheese is finely grated so it melts smoothly and integrates well with the eggs.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. The bacon should be crispy enough to provide a satisfying crunch, adding a delightful texture to the pasta. The bacon fat left in the pan is a key component for flavor, so don’t skip this step.
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Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic infuses the oil with a rich aroma that permeates the entire dish. This step takes the dish from good to great, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the bacon drippings. Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, using tongs to toss the pasta continuously. The residual heat will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. The key is to move quickly and keep the pasta moving to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This technique ensures the sauce is silky and binds to the pasta perfectly.
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Season and Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately. Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle heat that enhances the dish, while the parsley brings a hint of freshness. Serving immediately is crucial as the sauce can thicken as it cools.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools can make the process of making spaghetti carbonara smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Large pot for boiling pasta: A good-sized pot ensures your pasta has enough space to cook evenly and prevents it from sticking together. It’s worth investing in a quality pot that distributes heat evenly and has a sturdy base.
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Large skillet or frying pan: A wide skillet allows you to toss the pasta easily and ensures even distribution of the sauce and ingredients. Look for one with a non-stick surface to make cleanup easier.
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Mixing bowl: Use this to prepare the egg and cheese mixture. A deep bowl makes it easier to whisk the ingredients together without making a mess. Choose a bowl with a stable base to prevent spills.
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Whisk: Essential for combining the eggs and cheese into a smooth mixture. A balloon whisk works well for this task. It’s a versatile tool that you’ll find many uses for in your kitchen.
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Slotted spoon: Handy for removing the bacon from the skillet while leaving the drippings behind. This tool is also great for blanching vegetables or poaching eggs.
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Tongs: Ideal for tossing the pasta in the skillet and ensuring everything is well combined. A pair with silicone tips will be gentle on your cookware.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding the role of each ingredient can enhance your cooking experience and appreciation for this classic dish.
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Spaghetti: The perfect vessel for the creamy sauce, spaghetti holds the flavors well. Its long strands capture the sauce in every bite, offering a satisfying texture. Opt for high-quality pasta made from durum wheat for the best results.
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Eggs: Provide richness and create the creamy sauce without any added cream. They are the heart of the carbonara, transforming simple ingredients into a velvety masterpiece. Use fresh, large eggs for optimal flavor and texture.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor that’s quintessential to carbonara. Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing its depth and complexity. Consider using Parmigiano-Reggiano for an authentic taste.
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Bacon: Offers a smoky, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. The fat rendered from the bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish. You can experiment with pancetta or guanciale for a more traditional Italian touch.
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Garlic: Infuses the dish with a deep, aromatic flavor. Its presence is subtle yet essential, providing a flavor foundation that supports the other ingredients. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—just adjust the amount to taste.
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Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color. While optional, it brightens the dish and provides a visual contrast that makes the carbonara more appetizing. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its more robust flavor.
What to Serve With This Pasta Dish
Spaghetti carbonara is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:
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Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. The acidity of the vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the carbonara.
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Garlic Bread: The crunchy texture and garlic flavor of the bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. Consider making your own with a baguette, butter, garlic, and parsley for an extra treat.
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Roasted Vegetable Medley: Try serving it with our Roasted Vegetable Medley for a burst of color and nutrition. Roasted vegetables add a depth of flavor that complements the pasta well.
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Classic Caesar Salad: The tangy and creamy dressing of a Classic Caesar Salad pairs well with the carbonara’s savory notes. The combination of romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese echoes the flavors of the pasta.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
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Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
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Reheat: To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta and heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the sauce without overcooking the eggs. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the eggs to scramble and result in a less creamy texture. Reheating over low heat ensures that the sauce remains emulsified and smooth.
Cooking is all about creating moments and memories, and this spaghetti carbonara with crispy bacon is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, enjoy every delicious bite and happy cooking!
Air Fryer Rabbit Wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Add the rabbit wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Arrange the rabbit wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the rabbit wings at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.