Description
Quick and easy creamy bacon carbonara pasta, perfect for a 20-minute lunch. Simple, comforting, and loaded with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 6 oz (170g) bacon, chopped
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (70g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package directions until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- To the same skillet with bacon fat, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream until smooth. Season with a good pinch of black pepper.
- Return drained pasta to the pot (off the heat), immediately pour in the sauce mixture, and toss quickly with tongs or a pasta fork. The heat of the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy, glossy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky and smooth.
- Scrape in the garlic (and any flavorful bits) from the skillet, and toss in the crispy bacon. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Taste and add more black pepper or salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Add peas or spinach for extra color and nutrition. If the sauce is lumpy, add the egg mixture off the heat and toss quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1.5 cups cooked pasta with sauce and bacon)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 29
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 24
Keywords: carbonara, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, quick lunch, easy pasta, Italian, comfort food, 20-minute meal