Easy Bacon Carbonara

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming plate of pasta, especially when it’s enveloped in a creamy sauce and studded with crispy bacon. Enter Bacon Carbonara, a classic Italian pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.

The Allure of Bacon Carbonara

Bacon Carbonara holds a special place in the hearts of pasta lovers everywhere. Its rich and creamy sauce, punctuated by the salty crunch of bacon, is a culinary indulgence that never fails to delight. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy night in, Bacon Carbonara is sure to hit the spot.

A Symphony of Flavors

At the heart of this dish is, of course, the bacon. Crispy and flavorful, it adds depth and richness to every bite. Paired with garlic sautéed to fragrant perfection, the bacon forms the savory foundation of the dish.

But it’s the sauce that truly elevates Bacon Carbonara to greatness. Made with eggs and Parmesan cheese, it’s creamy and luscious, coating each strand of pasta in velvety goodness. And let’s not forget the pasta itself—cooked until perfectly al dente, it provides the ideal canvas for the sauce to cling to.

All-Star Ingredients:

In this recipe, simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite:

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine Pasta: The foundation of any good Carbonara, the pasta brings a comforting and satisfying element to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy, savory, and oh-so-delicious, bacon adds depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Garlic: Fragrant and aromatic, garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable flavor, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Eggs and Parmesan Cheese: These two ingredients work together to create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, adding richness and decadence to every forkful.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential, salt and pepper season the dish to perfection, ensuring a well-balanced flavor in every bite.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a pop of color and freshness, garnish the Carbonara with chopped parsley just before serving.

Cooking Up Comfort

To make Bacon Carbonara, start by cooking your pasta until it’s just tender. While it’s cooking, fry up your bacon until it’s golden and crisp, then sauté some garlic until it’s golden and fragrant. Next, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese to create the luxurious sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the bacon and garlic, then quickly stir in the egg mixture. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, transforming them into a silky sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti or fettuccine.

Serving Up Satisfaction

Garnish your Bacon Carbonara with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. Then, dig in and savor the rich flavors and comforting textures of this beloved Italian dish.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, Bacon Carbonara is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a bowlful of pure comfort!

There you have it—Bacon Carbonara, a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy night in, this classic Italian pasta dish is sure to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in a bowlful of pure comfort!

Easy Bacon Carbonara

Recipe by wildfoodjourneyCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400-600

kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (227g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta

• 6 slices of bacon or pancetta diced.

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

• salt and pepper to taste

• fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, optional

Directions

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once the bacon is crispy, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked pasta to the bacon and garlic mixture. Toss to combine.
• Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring quickly to coat the pasta evenly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Serve the Bacon Carbonara immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• When adding the egg and Parmesan mixture to the pasta, it’s essential to work quickly and off the heat. Stir vigorously to coat the pasta evenly, allowing the residual heat from the pasta to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This helps loosen the sauce and ensures it evenly coats the pasta.
• Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust the salt accordingly.