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5.0 from 9 votes

The Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti carbonara is made with bacon (you can use pancetta, guanciale, or even regular breakfast bacon), cheese, and eggs. The eggs create a silky smooth sauce, and the cheese and crisp bacon both add the perfect salty notes to this spaghetti carbonara dish.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 446 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz. Bacon (225g, guanciale, or pancetta, chopped)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 pound dried spaghetti (450g)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup half and half (80ml)
  • 2/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese (70g)
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon/pancetta and onion and cook until the onion is caramelized and the bacon is crisp. By now, your water should be boiling. Add the spaghetti. Make sure to cook until al dente––don't overcook the pasta!
  2. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, and cheese. Scrape in the bacon and onion, along with the cooking fat. If it's really hot, allow the bacon to cool off for 1-2 minutes in the pan before adding it to the bowl.
  3. Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/3 cup of the cooking water and slowly whisk it into the bowl with the bacon and eggs. Drain the spaghetti and add to the bowl. Toss quickly and place a plate on top of the serving bowl to cover completely. Let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the plate and toss with black pepper and nutmeg (if using).

Nutrition Information

Calories 446kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 45g (15%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 112mg (37%) Sodium 500mg (21%) Potassium 257mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 235IU (5%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 132mg (13%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 446

% Daily Value*

Calories 446kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 45g 15%
Protein 17g 34%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 112mg 37%
Sodium 500mg 21%
Potassium 257mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 235IU 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 132mg 13%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.