There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming plate of spaghetti carbonara, especially when that dish is infused with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Picture this: You’re just getting home after a long day, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. But fear not! This quick and easy spaghetti carbonara is your delicious solution, ready in just 20 minutes.
With its creamy sauce crafted from fresh eggs and rich cheese, this indulgent dish, affectionately dubbed “breakfast spaghetti,” transforms weeknight dinners into something truly special. The smoky flavor of bacon takes this classic recipe up a notch, making it crowd-pleasing, satisfying, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, these simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels luxurious without requiring gourmet skills. Ready to whip up this comforting twist on a beloved favorite? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Spaghetti Carbonara a Must-Try?
Comforting and incredibly satisfying, this spaghetti carbonara with crispy bacon elevates your dinner game in just 20 minutes. Simple ingredients transform into a rich, creamy sauce that clings to each strand of pasta, offering a luxurious feel with minimal effort. Versatile enough to pair with your favorite greens or garlic bread, it’s an ideal weeknight meal for everyone. Crowd-pleasing and delicious, you won’t hear complaints when this dish hits the table. For more quick and easy recipes, be sure to explore our collection of 20-minute meals that will keep your evenings stress-free!
Spaghetti Carbonara Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Dried Spaghetti – This is the main carbohydrate for the dish; you can swap it with other pasta types like fettuccine if desired.
For the Sauce
- Bacon – The star ingredient that adds a smoky flavor and crunch; feel free to use guanciale or pancetta for a more traditional touch.
- Minced Garlic – Provides aromatic depth; be careful not to overcook to prevent bitterness.
- Large Eggs – Essential for creating the creamy sauce; using room temperature eggs yields the best texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Introduces a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce; Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for a stronger taste.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavors; adjust the amount based on the saltiness of your cheese.
- Black Pepper – Adds warmth and a little spice; freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor.
- Reserved Pasta Water – Helps achieve a silky sauce consistency; don’t forget to reserve some before draining the pasta.
Enjoy this easy recipe, and discover how wonderfully a home-cooked Spaghetti Carbonara can impress your loved ones!
How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
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Prepare the Bacon: In a cold skillet, place the bacon strips. Turn the heat to low, allowing the bacon to render its fat slowly. Once the fat begins to soften, increase the heat to medium for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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Whisk the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and the reserved pasta water until smooth. This will be your decadent sauce.
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Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the bacon, heat a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—don’t let it burn!
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Combine Everything: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic, tossing to combine. Fold in the crispy bacon until evenly distributed.
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Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, stirring continuously to coat the spaghetti evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your creamy spaghetti carbonara immediately, garnished with additional grated cheese and fresh black pepper to taste.
Optional: Top with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Spaghetti Carbonara
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Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps achieve the best emulsification for your creamy sauce.
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Watch the Heat: Be cautious of the skillet’s temperature when adding the egg mixture; high heat can lead to unwanted scrambling.
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Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining; this will assist in adjusting the sauce’s consistency for your spaghetti carbonara.
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Crispiness Matters: For perfectly crispy bacon, start cooking on low heat, allowing the fat to render before increasing the heat.
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Freshly Ground Pepper: Elevate the flavor by using freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground; it makes a noticeable difference in taste.
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Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh; serve it right away for the creamiest experience.
Make Ahead Options
These creamy spaghetti carbonara with bacon are fantastic for those busy weeknights when meal prep is essential! You can cook the spaghetti and bacon up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool and refrigerate them separately to maintain their integrity. Whisk together the egg and cheese mixture as well, storing it in the fridge for freshness. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the spaghetti and bacon in a skillet, then add the egg mixture off the heat, stirring quickly to ensure a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. This way, you achieve restaurant-quality carbonara with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Spaghetti Carbonara
Fridge: Store leftover spaghetti carbonara in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze spaghetti carbonara for up to 1 month. Be aware that the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
Best Served Fresh: Spaghetti carbonara is at its best when enjoyed immediately, so plan for fresh servings whenever possible!
Spaghetti Carbonara Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this comforting dish and make it your own!
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Pasta Alternatives: Switch dried spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a lovely umami twist, still rich and satisfying without meat.
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Different Cheeses: Try Pecorino Romano or an aged gouda instead of Parmesan for a more robust flavor profile that elevates the creaminess of the sauce.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the dish and introduce a delightful aromatic element that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the garlic for those who crave a little heat and a dash of excitement.
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Creamy Twist: For an ultra-luxurious version, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the egg mixture for extra creaminess that’s divine and decadent.
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Extra Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots for a delightful contrast in texture, adding that irresistible crunch to every bite.
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate some freshly grated lemon zest to brighten the dish, making it taste fresh and vibrant while balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Carbonara?
There’s something magical about pairing delicious dishes that complement one another, turning a lovely meal into an unforgettable experience.
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread adds a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy pasta.
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Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette brings a peppery bite that refreshes the palate between mouthfuls of decadent carbonara.
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Roasted Vegetables: Adding some roasted seasonal veggies provides a warm, earthy flavor while balancing the richness of the carbonara.
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Sautéed Spinach: The slight bitterness of sautéed spinach offers a lovely balance with the rich creaminess of the dish, making each bite feel lighter.
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White Wine: A crisp, chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the meal by adding acidity and refreshing notes to each bite.
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Panna Cotta: For dessert, this silky Italian treat makes a delightful conclusion to your meal, offering a sweet, creamy contrast to the savory main course.
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Lemon Sorbet: A light, zesty lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, stimulating the taste buds and preparing you for another indulgent bite of pasta.
Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe FAQs
What type of bacon is best for spaghetti carbonara?
Absolutely! While traditional carbonara uses guanciale, using crispy bacon is a fantastic adaptation. Bacon adds a delightful smoky flavor and crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you want a more authentic taste, you can also try pancetta as a suitable option.
How do I store leftover spaghetti carbonara?
You can store leftover spaghetti carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to restore its creaminess!
Can I freeze spaghetti carbonara?
While not ideal due to potential texture changes, you can freeze spaghetti carbonara for up to 1 month. To do so, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low; you might need to add a bit of water or cream to revive the sauce.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
Very! If your spaghetti carbonara sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry! Just gradually add small splashes of your reserved pasta water while stirring over low heat. This will help you achieve that silky, creamy sauce consistency that clings perfectly to your spaghetti.
Are there any dietary considerations when making spaghetti carbonara?
Absolutely! If someone in your household has an egg allergy, you can omit the eggs, but the result will be different as the sauce won’t have that creamy richness. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms instead of bacon. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens if you’re serving guests with specific dietary needs!
How can I tell if my eggs are fresh enough for the sauce?
To ensure your eggs are fresh, you can perform a simple water test. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the eggs in it. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on their sides, whereas older eggs will stand upright or float. For spaghetti carbonara, it’s best to use the freshest eggs possible for the creamiest sauce!
Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara with Easy Crispy Bacon Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- In a cold skillet, place the bacon strips. Turn the heat to low, slowly rendering the fat. Increase heat to medium for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and reserved pasta water until smooth.
- In the same skillet, heat a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic, tossing to combine. Fold in crispy bacon until evenly distributed.
- Remove skillet from heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, stirring continuously to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated cheese and fresh black pepper to taste.