Ultimate Bacon Carbonara
This Ultimate Bacon Carbonara recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon with creamy eggs and fresh herbs. Getting dinner on the table has never been easier! Perfect for a weeknight meal, it requires minimal prep and can be made swiftly, especially if you've prepped your bacon in advance. The result is a deliciously comforting pasta dish that will please the whole family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1 lb (diced)
spaghetti
1 lb (preferably about 3/4 inch thick)
eggs
3 (large, beaten)
flat-leaf Italian parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you are cooking your bacon in the oven. Spread the diced bacon on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from the oven and drain on paper towels. Alternatively, you can sauté the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
While the pasta is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs vigorously until they are well combined. Have the crispy bacon, chopped parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese ready nearby.
4
Once the pasta is al dente, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti quickly, shaking off excess water. Immediately transfer the hot pasta into the bowl with the beaten eggs. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
5
Using tongs, toss the pasta with the eggs, ensuring that each strand is coated. If the mixture appears too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6
Add in the cooked bacon, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Ultimate Bacon Carbonara?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 1 lb of diced bacon.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spaghetti, preferably about 3/4 inch thick.
How many eggs are required for the carbonara sauce?
You will need 3 large, beaten eggs to create the creamy sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What kind of parsley is best for this dish?
Flat-leaf Italian parsley is recommended, specifically 1/3 cup chopped.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be diced before cooking.
What are the two ways to cook the bacon?
You can bake the bacon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or sauté it in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
Does this recipe use heavy cream?
No, this recipe uses the traditional method of creating a creamy sauce using beaten eggs and hot pasta water.
How do you prevent the eggs from scrambling?
Immediately transfer the hot, drained pasta into the bowl with the beaten eggs and toss quickly; the residual heat cooks the eggs into a sauce rather than scrambling them.
Should I save any of the pasta cooking water?
Yes, you should reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
What should I do if the carbonara sauce is too thick?
If the mixture appears too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and reach your desired consistency.
What is the recommended cooking level for the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked until it is al dente, following the package directions.
How is the dish garnished?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Is the bacon drained after cooking?
Yes, once the bacon is crispy, it should be removed and drained on paper towels to remove excess grease.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: bacon, spaghetti, eggs, flat-leaf Italian parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
What temperature should the oven be for the bacon?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
When do you add the bacon and cheese to the pasta?
The bacon, parsley, and Parmesan cheese are tossed into the pasta after the egg sauce has been formed.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, carbonara, bacon, Italian, easy recipe, weekday dinner, and comfort food.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, the description mentions you can make the meal even swifter if you have prepped your bacon in advance.
Is salt used in the cooking water?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before cooking the spaghetti.
How long does it take to bake the bacon?
It takes about 20 minutes in the oven until the bacon becomes crispy.
What tool should be used to toss the pasta with the eggs?
The recipe recommends using tongs to ensure each strand of pasta is evenly coated with the egg mixture.
Should the eggs be cold when adding them to the pasta?
While not specified, the instructions emphasize beating them vigorously beforehand and having them ready at room temperature can help with the sauce consistency.
What type of black pepper is best?
The recipe suggests using freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Is this a good meal for a weeknight?
Yes, it is described as a perfect weeknight meal because it requires minimal prep and can be made quickly.
How quickly should the pasta be drained?
The pasta should be drained quickly and transferred immediately to the eggs while it is still very hot.
Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?
While Parmesan is the specific ingredient listed, Pecorino Romano is a traditional alternative for Italian carbonara.
Do I need to stir the pasta while it boils?
Yes, you should stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Is the sauce cooked on the stove?
No, the sauce is 'cooked' by the residual heat of the hot pasta in a mixing bowl, not over direct heat on the stove.
When should the dish be served?
For the best texture and flavor, the Ultimate Bacon Carbonara should be served immediately.