Classic 25-Minute Bacon Carbonara Pasta Recipe
This Classic 25-Minute Bacon Carbonara Pasta is a quick and easy Italian-inspired recipe combining crispy bacon, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a comforting and indulgent meal ready in under half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious last-minute dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Bacon and Aromatics
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Sauce
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic (Optional): If using garlic, add it to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set this egg mixture aside.
- Combine Pasta and Bacon Fat: Add the drained pasta into the skillet containing the bacon fat (and garlic if used). Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the flavorful fat.
- Make the Sauce: Turn off the heat completely to avoid scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Stir vigorously to coat the pasta, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs gently and create a creamy sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Stir the crispy bacon pieces back into the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired. Enjoy your creamy, savory carbonara!
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for the creamiest sauce without scrambling.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it’s essential for adjusting sauce consistency.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked mushrooms or omit entirely.
- Do not cook the sauce on heat after adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for authentic flavor.
Keywords: carbonara, bacon pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, creamy pasta, bacon carbonara
