5 from 15 votes
Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic pasta dish with al dente spaghetti tossed with crispy bacon and a creamy sauce made from eggs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The residual heat gently cooks the sauce to a silky texture without scrambling the eggs. Garlic adds a subtle aroma, and fresh parsley can garnish for color and freshness.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
429 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian, American
Ingredients
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 pound spaghetti (see note 1)
- 6 lices Bacon chopped (see note 2)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 large egg see note 3
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, plus more for serving (see note 4, freshly grated
- parsley minced, for garnish, optional, fresh
Instructions
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place a large serving bowl on middle rack (large enough to accommodate a pound of cooked pasta).
- Bring 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Carefully remove bowl from oven and add eggs, cheese, and pepper to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon). Beat with a fork to combine. Immediately add pasta, bacon with garlic, and rendered fat and toss to combine.
- Add a splash of pasta water until desired consistency is reached (it should be creamy), then season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with more cheese and freshly parsley, if desired.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use guanciale or pancetta if available, otherwise bacon is an acceptable substitute.
- Bring eggs to room temperature before using for a creamier sauce; warm in warm water if needed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential; avoid pre-grated packaged cheese for best flavor and texture.
- This recipe yields six servings, enough for a main course portion.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days, best enjoyed reheated gently.
Nutrition Information
Calories
429kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
58g
(19%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
116mg
(39%)
Sodium
433mg
(18%)
Potassium
272mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
279IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
218mg
(22%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 429
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 429kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 433mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 272mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 279IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 218mg | 22% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.