Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Parmesan
Indulge in this creamy Bacon Carbonara, a classic Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful feast. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe utilizes everyday staples like bacon, butter, and spaghetti. The addition of half-and-half and white vinegar creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, while the fresh Parmesan cheese adds a rich depth of flavor. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort. Plus, for those with gluten sensitivities, corn spaghetti can be easily substituted. Enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your home!
4
Servings
450
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1/3 lb (Thick sliced, cut into 1-inch pieces)
Butter
1/4 lb (Unsalted)
Half-and-half cream
1 cup (Warmed in microwave)
White vinegar
2 tablespoons (To be added to sauce)
Spaghetti
1 lb (Cooked al dente)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (For tossing with pasta and garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the thick-sliced bacon into small pieces, roughly 1 inch square.
2
In a small frying pan over medium heat, sauté the bacon with butter until the bacon is just starting to brown and becomes slightly crispy but not dry.
3
While the bacon cooks, microwave the half-and-half cream for about 1 minute until warm. Once heated, pour it into the skillet with the bacon and butter.
4
Add the white vinegar to the mixture. This will initiate a curdling process that helps create a cheesy sauce. Gently simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
6
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, but be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water.
7
Return the drained spaghetti to the pot and immediately add the beaten eggs, the bacon sauce, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously to combine, ensuring the sauce coats every strand of pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
8
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then serve immediately while hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon Carbonara with Parmesan?
It is a classic Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients like bacon, butter, and spaghetti into a rich and creamy feast.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients for this carbonara?
The main ingredients include bacon, butter, half-and-half cream, white vinegar, spaghetti, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cut 1/3 lb of thick-sliced bacon into small pieces, roughly 1 inch square, and sauté until slightly crispy.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of unsalted butter.
How do I prepare the half-and-half cream?
Microwave 1 cup of half-and-half for about 1 minute until it is warm before adding it to the skillet.
Why is white vinegar added to the sauce?
White vinegar is added to initiate a curdling process that helps create a smooth and velvety cheesy sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should gently simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes creamy.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Should I save any pasta water?
Yes, reserve one cup of the pasta water after draining the spaghetti to help adjust the sauce consistency.
When do I add the eggs to the dish?
Add the beaten eggs immediately to the pot after returning the drained spaghetti, along with the bacon sauce and cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/3 cup of grated fresh Parmesan cheese for tossing and extra for garnish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the regular spaghetti with corn spaghetti for a gluten-free option.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30g of fat in each serving of this dish.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is perfect for busy weeknights as it uses everyday staples and requires minimal effort.
What texture should the bacon have after sautéing?
The bacon should be just starting to brown and be slightly crispy, but not dry.
What should I do if the carbonara sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
How should I finish the dish before serving?
Toss the pasta vigorously to ensure the sauce coats every strand, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the carbonara immediately while it is still hot.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
What kind of cream is used in this version of carbonara?
This recipe uses 1 cup of half-and-half cream.
How many eggs are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Is the Parmesan cheese added to the sauce while simmering?
No, the Parmesan is added at the end when tossing the cooked pasta with the eggs and bacon sauce.
How much bacon is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 lb of thick-sliced bacon.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture and savory bacon flavor.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried pasta?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of spaghetti, which is typically dried, but fresh can be used if cooking times are adjusted.
What makes the sauce cling to the pasta?
The combination of the simmered cream and vinegar mixture, the beaten eggs, and the Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings to the strands.