The Creamiest Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

Pasta nights reach new heights when you master the delectable classic italian carbonara with bacon.

Creamy eggs and sharp pecorino romano blend into a silky sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti.

The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates every single bite.

Simple ingredients come together in this traditional Roman dish that speaks volumes about Italian culinary elegance.

Salt, pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Authentic carbonara demands precision and respect for its classic technique.

Fun Carbonara Twists You Can Try

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoky tempeh, creating a rich umami flavor that mimics traditional carbonara.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, maintaining the creamy sauce and classic carbonara essence.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized daikon radish or cauliflower rice instead of pasta, keeping the signature egg and cheese sauce intact.
• Pancetta Upgrade: Substitute bacon with authentic Italian pancetta for a more traditional Roman-style carbonara with deeper, richer pork flavor.

How to Serve Classic Carbonara Bacon

• Italian Feast Companion: Pair this creamy carbonara with a crisp green salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the rich, silky sauce.
• Rustic Side Delight: Serve alongside warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety to your meal.
• Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Storing Leftover Bacon Carbonara

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm small portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring continuously. Add a bit of pasta water or cream to help restore the sauce's smoothness and prevent scrambling the eggs.
• Skip freezing carbonara, as the delicate egg-based sauce will separate and lose its creamy consistency when thawed, resulting in a grainy, unappetizing texture.

FAQs

• What makes the egg sauce creamy without scrambling?

Constant stirring and low heat prevent eggs from scrambling, creating a smooth, silky sauce by gently cooking the eggs against the hot pasta’s residual heat.

• Can I substitute bacon with another meat?

Pancetta is the traditional Italian choice, offering a similar salty and rich flavor profile that complements the creamy egg sauce perfectly.

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce, adjust consistency, and ensures the sauce coats the pasta evenly without being too dry or too runny.

• How do I know when the bacon is perfectly crispy?

Bacon is ready when it turns golden brown and develops crisp edges, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Classic Carbonara Bacon Perks

• Whip Up Authentic Flavors: Transport your taste buds straight to Italy with this classic carbonara that captures the essence of traditional Roman cuisine.
• Master a Gourmet Technique: Learn the art of creating a silky, creamy sauce without using heavy cream, showcasing your culinary skills through a simple yet sophisticated cooking method.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner that feels special but doesn't require extensive preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delight family and friends with a universally loved dish that combines crispy bacon, rich eggs, and perfectly cooked pasta into one irresistible meal.

Must-Have Ingredients for Carbonara Lovers

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect foundation for the creamy carbonara sauce.

• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy texture to the dish, creating rich flavor depth.
• Egg Yolks, Whole Egg: Essential for creating the silky and luxurious carbonara sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Pecorino Romano Cheese: Traditional Italian cheeses that contribute a salty and tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide a subtle heat.

• Garlic: Optional ingredient that can add an extra layer of aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Pasta Water: Helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps the ingredients bind together smoothly.

Carbonara with Bacon: Step by Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring to a rolling boil and drop spaghetti into the water.

Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out one cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Egg Base

Crack egg yolks and one whole egg into a mixing bowl.

Add grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses.

Whisk ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform in color.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

Place bacon chunks in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Remove excess oil, leaving just a thin layer of bacon fat coating the pan bottom.

Step 4: Flavor Enhancement

Optional: Quickly sauté minced garlic in remaining bacon fat for extra depth.

Remove garlic pieces after releasing their aromatic essence.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Bacon

Transfer drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with bacon.

Lower heat to prevent egg mixture from scrambling.

Step 6: Create Silky Sauce

Pour whisked egg and cheese mixture over hot pasta.

Stir continuously and rapidly to coat noodles evenly.

If sauce seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy consistency.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Sprinkle generous amounts of freshly ground black pepper.

Add a pinch of salt if needed.

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

Optional: Garnish with additional grated cheese on top.

Smart Tips for Creamy Carbonara

• Temper the egg mixture by adding a small amount of hot pasta water before mixing with pasta to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Cook bacon slowly over medium-low heat to render fat evenly and achieve perfect golden-brown texture without burning.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for authentic flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which can contain anti-caking agents.
• Serve carbonara immediately after combining ingredients to maintain the silky, glossy texture and prevent sauce from becoming dry or clumpy.
• Reserve starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, adding moisture and helping the egg mixture coat the pasta smoothly.

Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky strands of pasta embrace crispy bacon in this classic Italian carbonara, weaving together Rome’s culinary heritage with simple, luxurious ingredients. Creamy egg sauce and sharp pecorino romano elevate each forkful, promising a genuine taste of Italian comfort that lingers deliciously on your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced

Eggs and Cheese:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and heat to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Combine egg yolks, whole egg, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano in a mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform texture.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Render bacon pieces until golden and crisp, allowing fat to release naturally. Drain excess grease, preserving approximately one tablespoon for flavor development.
4. If using garlic, briefly sauté in the residual bacon fat to infuse aromatic notes, then remove and discard immediately.
5. Transfer drained spaghetti into the skillet, gently tossing with rendered bacon pieces. Reduce heat to low, creating an ideal environment for sauce integration.
6. Pour egg mixture over hot pasta, employing rapid, continuous stirring to prevent scrambling. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a luxurious, silky consistency.
7. Generously season with freshly ground black pepper and salt. Plate immediately, offering additional grated cheese as an optional embellishment for diners.

Notes

• Achieve silky smooth sauce by tempering eggs carefully, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling while creating a luxurious creamy texture.
• Opt for high-quality Italian cured bacon like guanciale or pancetta for authentic flavor, which provides a richer taste compared to standard bacon.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano at room temperature to help them melt seamlessly into the egg mixture and create a more integrated sauce.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta without compromising the classic carbonara technique.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 469 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg