Classic Italian Carbonara with Crisp Bacon
Indulge in this delightful Classic Italian Carbonara, a quick and easy pasta dish that bursts with authentic flavors. This recipe combines al dente fresh linguine with crispy bacon, creamy eggs, and savory Parmesan cheese, all elevated by a hint of nutmeg and the freshness of green onions. Perfect for a cozy dinner, serve with a refreshing green salad and warm, crusty rolls alongside for a complete meal. This dish serves 3, making it ideal for a small family or a gathering with friends.
3
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean bacon
1/4 lb (chopped, fried crisp)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
eggs
2 (beaten)
nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
salt
(to taste)
black pepper
(to taste)
fresh linguine
350 g
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3
In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, melted butter, nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
4
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the bacon fat, tossing to coat the pasta in the flavorful oil. Remove the skillet from heat.
5
Quickly add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring constantly to ensure the eggs create a creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
6
Fold in the crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top if desired.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
31g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The recipe is for Classic Italian Carbonara with Crisp Bacon, a quick and easy pasta dish featuring authentic flavors.
How many people does this carbonara serve?
This recipe is specifically designed to serve 3 people.
What kind of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 350 grams of fresh linguine.
Can I substitute fresh linguine?
While the recipe specifies fresh linguine, you can use other pasta types, though fresh linguine provides the intended texture.
How much bacon do I need?
You will need 1/4 lb of lean bacon for this dish.
How is the bacon prepared?
The bacon should be chopped and fried in a skillet until it is crisp.
What is used to make the creamy sauce?
The sauce is created by whisking together beaten eggs, melted butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then combining it with the hot pasta.
Does this carbonara use cream?
No, this recipe uses a traditional egg-based sauce instead of heavy cream to achieve its creaminess.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Why should I save some of the pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the sauce consistency if the mixture becomes too thick after adding the eggs.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What special spice is added for extra flavor?
A small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of nutmeg is added to the egg mixture to elevate the flavor profile.
How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture and stir the pasta constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Is the bacon fat discarded?
No, the cooked linguine is tossed in the bacon fat remaining in the skillet to coat the pasta in flavorful oil.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 11 grams of protein.
How much fat does one serving contain?
There are 14 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner?
Yes, it is described as an ideal meal for a cozy dinner or a small gathering with friends.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this carbonara with a refreshing green salad and warm, crusty rolls.
How many green onions are needed?
You need 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions to fold into the pasta.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter to be whisked with the eggs.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper are added to the egg mixture to taste before combining it with the pasta.
When is the Parmesan cheese added to the dish?
The cheese is folded into the pasta at the very end along with the crispy bacon and green onions.
What is the first step in cooking the bacon?
The first step is to chop the bacon and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it is crisp.
Should the pasta water be salted?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the linguine.
What is the desired texture of the cooked pasta?
The fresh linguine should be cooked according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, this is classified as a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is a classic example of Italian cuisine.
Can I add extra cheese when serving?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving immediately with extra cheese on top if desired.