Creamy Bacon Carbonara Pasta
This easy-to-make pasta dish is inspired by traditional Italian carbonara and features crispy bacon, rich Parmesan, and silky eggs for a creamy finish. With the robust aroma of garlic and a hint of fresh parsley, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the dining table, especially the kids. Perfect for any occasion, this comforting one-dish meal can be prepared quickly and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the indulgent flavors and creamy texture with every bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
6 slices (rind removed, sliced into small cubes or thin strips)
spaghetti
16 ounces (uncooked)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
eggs
3 (room temperature)
Italian parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (skin on, lightly crushed)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil for cooking the spaghetti.
2
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork, then fold in about 1 1/4 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
3
Slice the bacon into small cubes or thin strips as preferred.
4
Using the side of a knife, gently crush the garlic cloves, keeping them mostly intact to infuse the flavor.
5
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour the olive oil and add the crushed garlic cloves.
6
Cook the garlic until aromatic, pressing down on the cloves with a wooden spoon to release more flavor.
7
Add the sliced bacon to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it remains soft and not too crispy.
8
Once the bacon is cooked, remove the garlic cloves from the skillet and reduce heat to low.
9
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain.
10
Return the drained spaghetti to the pot, add a drizzle of olive oil, and toss to coat lightly.
11
Gently mix in the bacon and hot oil, gradually adding the egg and Parmesan mixture while tossing with tongs until the sauce clings to the pasta.
12
Fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh hit of flavor.
13
Transfer the pasta to a warm serving dish and garnish with the remaining Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
14
Serve immediately with piping hot garlic or herb bread for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon Carbonara Pasta?
It is an easy-to-make, Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, rich Parmesan cheese, and a silky egg sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked spaghetti.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 6 slices of bacon with the rind removed.
How should I cut the bacon?
Slice the bacon into small cubes or thin strips depending on your preference.
How many eggs are needed for the carbonara sauce?
The sauce requires 3 room temperature eggs.
Why should the eggs be at room temperature?
Room temperature eggs help create a silkier sauce that incorporates more smoothly with the hot pasta.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
How is the cheese divided in the recipe?
Use 1 1/4 cups of Parmesan for the egg mixture and save the remaining 1/4 cup for garnishing.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
Use 3 garlic cloves with the skin on, gently crushed with the side of a knife to infuse the oil.
Do I leave the garlic in the pasta?
No, the garlic cloves should be removed from the skillet once they have become aromatic and the bacon is cooked.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of chopped Italian parsley.
When is the parsley added?
Freshly chopped parsley is folded in at the end and also used as a final garnish.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after draining?
Return the drained spaghetti to the pot and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil.
Should the bacon be very crispy?
The instructions recommend cooking the bacon for about 5 minutes so it remains soft rather than too crispy.
How do I create the creamy sauce without using cream?
The creaminess comes from gradually tossing the egg and Parmesan mixture into the hot pasta and bacon oil.
What is the best way to mix the sauce and pasta?
Use tongs to toss the pasta while gradually adding the egg mixture until it clings to the strands.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is sure to delight kids.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is categorized as a comforting one-dish meal.
What should I serve with this carbonara?
It is recommended to serve the dish immediately with piping hot garlic or herb bread.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
The bacon takes approximately 5 minutes to cook over medium-high heat.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
No, you can leave the skin on while crushing them for the infusion process.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the spaghetti.
How do I prepare the egg mixture?
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.
What heat level should I use for the bacon and garlic?
Start with medium-high heat to infuse the oil and cook the bacon, then reduce to low before adding the pasta.
Should the pasta be served in a specific way?
The recipe suggests transferring the pasta to a warm serving dish before garnishing.
What makes this dish comforting?
The combination of indulgent flavors, crispy bacon, and a creamy texture makes it a comfort food favorite.
Can this be prepared quickly?
Yes, this one-dish meal can be prepared quickly, making it perfect for any occasion.