4.5 from 2,650 votes
Creamy Carbonara
Creamy Carbonara features spaghetti coated in a rich sauce made from half and half, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper, combined with crisped pancetta and fresh basil. This dish balances creamy texture with savory, salty pancetta and the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a comforting pasta with layers of flavor. The sauce is gently cooked on the stovetop to achieve a silky finish without scrambling the eggs.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
721 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti uncooked
- 6 ounce pancetta chopped
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 large egg yolk
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 tablespoon basil chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the pancetta to a large skillet and saute over medium-low heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
- Add the half and half to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Whisk the egg yolks into the sauce. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the black pepper. Taste for salt and season if needed. I find no salt is needed since the cheese adds plenty of saltiness.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, bacon and basil to the skillet and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with more Parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Half and half contains about 12% fat; heavy cream can be substituted for a richer sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours; consume within 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
721kcal
(36%)
Carbohydrates
49g
(16%)
Protein
31g
(62%)
Fat
43g
(66%)
Saturated Fat
21g
(105%)
Cholesterol
190mg
(63%)
Sodium
939mg
(39%)
Potassium
411mg
(9%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
1000IU
(20%)
Vitamin C
1.6mg
(2%)
Calcium
599mg
(60%)
Iron
1.7mg
(9%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 721
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 721kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Cholesterol | 190mg | 63% |
| Sodium | 939mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 411mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1000IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 1.6mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 599mg | 60% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.