Spaghetti Carbonara (25 Minutes)

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Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich and creamy sauce. Made with crispy pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper, this dish is a true comfort food that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The combination of silky pasta coated in a luscious sauce with hints of smoky bacon creates a truly indulgent experience. Let’s get started!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. This step usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked pancetta from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. Lower the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic. Toss the pasta gently to coat it with the residual heat in the skillet.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Stir quickly and vigorously to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the eggs create a creamy sauce without scrambling.
  7. Add the cooked pancetta or bacon to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for an added touch of freshness and color.
  9. Serve the Spaghetti Carbonara immediately while it’s still hot and creamy.

Notes

Make sure to whisk the egg and cheese mixture well to create a smooth and creamy sauce. To add extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic. While pancetta is the traditional choice, you can also use bacon as a delicious alternative. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a combination of Parmesan and Romano for a unique twist. Serve this delightful pasta dish with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

Pair this with...

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Garlic Breadsticks

To whip up a batch of garlic breadsticks, start with a basic dough mixture of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled. Once risen, divide the dough into even portions and roll each into the classic breadstick shape. Place them on a baking sheet with a little space in between. While they take a short rest, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, a touch of salt, and perhaps some chopped parsley for a fresh twist. Brush this delightful garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden brown and emit that irresistible garlic aroma. Once out of the oven, give them another quick brush with the remaining garlic butter for good measure.

Pesto Green Beans

Kick things off by bringing a pot of water to boil. Trim your fresh green beans and blanch them in the boiling water for just a couple of minutes—until they're bright green but still retain a bit of crunch. Drain and plunge them into icy water to halt the cooking and preserve that vibrant color. While the beans cool, whip up some pesto, either homemade or store-bought. For a quick homemade version, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Toss the cooled green beans with a generous dollop of pesto, ensuring they're well coated.

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