Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara for One
Indulge in this rich and creamy Spaghetti Carbonara, perfectly portioned for one. This classic Italian pasta dish features al dente spaghetti coated in a silky sauce made with a beaten egg and plenty of parmesan cheese. The dish is elevated by crispy bacon and aromatic garlic, creating a delightful combination of flavors. Ideal for a solo dinner or a late-night snack, this recipe is quick to prepare and absolutely delicious. Impress yourself with an authentic taste of Italy in just a few simple steps!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
2 ounces (uncooked)
garlic clove
1 (smashed and minced)
bacon
1 strip (cooked and crumbled)
egg
1 (slightly beaten)
fresh parmesan cheese
generous grating (freshly grated)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
2
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the remaining bacon grease, cooking it over low heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn, then remove the skillet from heat.
3
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately return it to the pot.
4
Combine the hot pasta with the crumbled bacon, the rendered bacon fat, and the sautéed garlic, stirring well to combine. Keep the pot on low heat.
5
Pour the slightly beaten egg over the pasta and quickly whisk continuously for about three minutes. This will cook the egg gently, creating a creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti. Make sure to keep whisking throughout to prevent the egg from scrambling.
6
Once the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the pot from the heat. Add generous amounts of freshly grated parmesan cheese, mixing until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and a cracked black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara for One?
It is a rich and classic Italian pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti, a silky egg and parmesan sauce, crispy bacon, and aromatic garlic, perfectly portioned for a single serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is specifically designed to provide one single serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need spaghetti, one garlic clove, one strip of bacon, one egg, fresh parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
How should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until it is crispy, then drain it on a paper towel and crumble it into small pieces.
What should I do with the bacon grease?
Keep the bacon grease in the skillet to sauté the minced garlic, which adds extra flavor to the final dish.
How long does the garlic need to cook?
Sauté the minced garlic in the bacon grease over low heat for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
How much pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of uncooked spaghetti.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so that it is firm to the bite, rather than soft or mushy.
When do I add the bacon back into the pasta?
Combine the crumbled bacon with the hot, drained pasta along with the rendered bacon fat and sautéed garlic immediately after the pasta is cooked.
How is the creamy sauce created without cream?
The creaminess comes from pouring a slightly beaten egg over the hot pasta and whisking it continuously to create a thick, glossy emulsion.
How do I prevent the egg from scrambling?
To prevent scrambling, keep the pot on low heat and whisk the egg quickly and continuously for about three minutes.
How long should I whisk the egg sauce?
Whisk the egg into the pasta continuously for approximately three minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
When should the parmesan cheese be added?
Add the parmesan cheese once the sauce has thickened and the pot has been removed from the heat.
Is fresh parmesan necessary?
The recipe recommends a generous grating of freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
How do I season the carbonara?
Season the dish with salt and pepper to your personal taste after incorporating the cheese.
What is the suggested garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with additional parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper if desired.
Should I rinse the spaghetti after cooking?
No, drain the spaghetti and immediately return it to the pot to ensure it is hot enough to cook the egg sauce gently.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other long pasta shapes, though cooking times may vary.
Is a cast iron skillet required?
The recipe suggests a cast iron skillet for cooking bacon and garlic, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
Is the garlic smashed or minced?
The recipe calls for one garlic clove that is both smashed and minced.
How do I prepare the egg?
The egg should be slightly beaten before being poured over the pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick recipe that is easy to prepare, making it ideal for a solo meal.
Can I make this dish for more than one person?
Yes, you can scale the ingredients linearly to serve more people, though you may need a larger pot for whisking.
What temperature should the pot be when adding the egg?
The pot should be kept on low heat to ensure the egg cooks gently into a sauce rather than frying.
Why is the bacon fat used in the recipe?
The rendered bacon fat is used to sauté the garlic and is mixed into the pasta to provide moisture and intense savory flavor.
How soon should I serve the dish?
The dish should be served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the sauce before it cools.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy, and savory nature.
Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?
While the recipe specifies bacon, pancetta is a traditional Italian substitute that would work well.
What is the secret to a glossy sauce?
The secret is the continuous whisking of the egg over low heat combined with the residual heat of the pasta.
Is the salt added to the pasta water?
Yes, the recipe instructs to bring a pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the spaghetti.