The Creamiest Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

Crafting an authentic carbonara with bacon brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this simple yet extraordinary dish.

Roman chefs understand the delicate balance between creamy eggs and crisp pancetta.

Silky strands of pasta intertwine with rich, golden sauce that whispers traditional flavors.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction when prepared with careful technique.

Crisp bacon pieces promise a delightful crunch in every single bite.

You’ll want to savor each memorable forkful of this classic roman comfort food.

Storage Tips for Classic Italian Carbonara

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Cover the pasta with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss and prevent it from drying out.
• Avoid freezing carbonara, as the delicate egg-based sauce will separate and become grainy when thawed.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help restore the creamy texture. Stir constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling and maintain the silky consistency of the sauce.

FAQs

• What makes carbonara different from other pasta sauces?

Carbonara uses raw eggs that are gently cooked by hot pasta, creating a silky, creamy sauce without using heavy cream. The combination of eggs, cheese, and pasta water creates a unique, rich texture.

• Can I use pancetta instead of bacon?

Yes, pancetta is actually the traditional Italian choice for carbonara. It provides a more delicate, less smoky flavor compared to bacon and is closer to the authentic Roman recipe.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Remove the pan from heat before adding eggs and stir quickly and continuously. The residual heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a smooth, creamy sauce without turning them into scrambled eggs.

Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon Guide

• Savor Quick Comfort
• Master Culinary Simplicity: No fancy techniques required! This recipe proves that incredible flavor can emerge from just a handful of everyday ingredients, making it a dream for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Bacon, pasta, and cheese create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming an ordinary dinner into a crowd-favorite moment of pure satisfaction.
• Flexible Dinner Solution: Adaptable for different occasions, from a casual weeknight dinner to an impromptu gathering with friends, this carbonara brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen table.

Ingredients for Classic Italian Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the perfect foundation for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Bacon: Provides a smoky and crispy texture that adds depth to the carbonara.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Create a rich and silky sauce that coats the pasta with luxurious creaminess.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Introduces a subtle aromatic element to the dish.
• Salt: Helps to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and sharp taste that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Classic Italian Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Before draining, save a cup of the starchy pasta water.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. Toss in minced garlic and quickly sauté to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Mixture

Whisk together eggs, an extra egg yolk, and grated Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce

Take the skillet off the heat.

Add hot pasta to the bacon and garlic. Gradually pour in the egg mixture, stirring continuously to prevent scrambling.

Use reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, silky sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Transfer to serving plates and top with an extra shower of Parmesan cheese for a final touch of indulgence.

Tips for Classic Italian Carbonara Success

• Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
• Reserve pasta water generously; its starchy liquid helps create a velvety texture and bind the sauce.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy but not burnt, allowing its smoky flavor to enhance the carbonara.
• Temper the egg mixture carefully by adding hot pasta gradually while stirring vigorously to prevent egg curdling.
• Skip the cream for an authentic Roman-style carbonara, letting the eggs and cheese create natural richness.

Flavor Variations for Classic Italian Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Pancetta Upgrade: Swap bacon for authentic Italian pancetta, offering a more traditional and slightly more delicate cured meat flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, vegetable-based pasta replacement.

Suggested Pairings for Classic Italian Carbonara

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the steaming carbonara in a large wooden serving bowl, creating an inviting family-style presentation that encourages everyone to gather and enjoy together.
• Elegant Date Night Plating: Twirl the pasta carefully onto white plates, creating height and swirls. Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits and shaved Parmesan on top for a sophisticated restaurant-quality appearance.
• Picnic Perfect Transformation: Pack the cooled carbonara in portable containers for a delightful outdoor meal. Add a small container of extra Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper on the side for personalized seasoning.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Serve the carbonara in deep ceramic bowls with a side of crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce, turning a simple pasta dish into a comforting meal.

Authentic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and creamy classic Italian carbonara with bacon delivers authentic Roman flavors in minutes. Pasta enthusiasts discover a simple yet luxurious dish that celebrates traditional ingredients with bold simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or other pasta

Proteins:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) bacon or pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk

Seasonings and Additives:

• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes.
2. While pasta simmers, render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, developing rich, caramelized edges.
3. Mince fresh garlic and briefly sauté in the bacon’s rendered fat, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
4. Separate one egg yolk, then whisk whole eggs and yolk together with finely grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Remove skillet from heat and immediately introduce hot drained pasta, tossing vigorously to coat with bacon and garlic infusion.
6. Gradually stream egg mixture into pasta, continuously stirring to prevent scrambling and create a silky, luxurious sauce.
7. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, adding splashes until achieving a glossy, clingy texture.
8. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and minimal salt, considering bacon’s inherent saltiness.
9. Transfer to warmed serving plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings for an extra layer of savory complexity.

Notes

• Master the pasta water technique by saving a cup of starchy cooking liquid, which helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti.
• Temper the eggs carefully by adding hot pasta gradually to prevent scrambling, ensuring a luxurious creamy texture without unwanted egg chunks.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for authentic flavor that elevates the classic carbonara experience.
• For a lighter version, swap bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon, and consider using whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value while maintaining traditional taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg