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–+ servings

AMAZING ITALIAN CARBONARA WITH BACON

This classic Italian carbonara is elevated with crispy bacon, silky egg and cheese sauce, and freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in about 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 6 oz bacon, diced Use thick-cut for best texture
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated Reserve a little for serving
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt For pasta water; adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground Generous amount for authentic flavor
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional) Remove before tossing if used

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crisp and golden, 6–8 minutes. If using, add the smashed garlic clove for the last 1–2 minutes, then remove and discard the garlic.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan until smooth. Season with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon off the heat. Toss to coat in the bacon fat.
  • Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time as needed to loosen the sauce — do not return skillet to high heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano. Avoid high heat when combining eggs and pasta to keep the sauce silky.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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