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Spaghetti Carbonara - The easiest pasta dish you will ever make with just 5 ingredients in 15 minutes, loaded with Parmesan and bacon!

Ready in 15 minutes with just 5 ingredients. This ultra-easy pasta is packed with crispy bacon and rich Parmesan flavor. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal!

Spaghetti Carbonara - The easiest pasta dish you will ever make with just 5 ingredients in 15 minutes, loaded with Parmesan and bacon!

Featured Comment

Fabulous, straightforward and show stopping. even more delicious if you take more time to caramelize thinly-sliced onions with the bacon, add sliced peppers mushrooms. I’ve made this twice, and it makes even more delicious leftovers.
Nunya
565 more comments

This is one of those dishes that comes together in 15 minutes or less with just 5 simple ingredients – spaghetti, bacon, garlic, Parmesan and eggs. A lightening fast weeknight meal yet still fancy enough for date night or weekend company. And if you’re skeptical about the raw eggs, have no fear! It actually gets cooked through completely from the residual heat. Just be sure to work quickly so you don’t end up with scrambled eggs (not that scrambled eggs would be the worst thing in the world here).

slice of creamy Italian pasta dish to cook spaghetti carbonara, featuring rich layers of cheese, meat sauce, and pasta noodles, perfect for comfort food lovers.

Why Spaghetti Carbonara Is a Must-Try Recipe

  • Weeknight superhero made in less than 30 min
  • Super short ingredient list, most of which you probably have on hand
  • Restaurant-worthy rich, silky, velvety pasta dinner the whole family can enjoy

What Is Spaghetti Carbonara?

Spaghetti Carbonara is an Italian dish typically made with pasta (most commonly spaghetti), eggs, guanciale (cured pork), hard cheese, salt and pepper.

Spaghetti Carbonara vs Alfredo: Key Differences

Spaghetti Carbonara relies on eggs for its silky texture, giving it a lighter, savory finish. In contrast, Alfredo is richer and creamier, made with butter and heavy cream as its base. Both are delicious, but their flavors and textures are distinct.

A crispy pancetta and a sprinkle of black pepper getting cook as toppings for spaghetti carbonara

Ingredients

Spaghetti

Spaghetti pasta is typically used in carbonara as its long strands can easily soak up the silky, creamy goodness but linguine, fettuccine or bucatini can be used as well.

Eggs

Room temperature eggs are key here! It serves as a thickening agent without scrambling, binding with the fat from the bacon (or pancetta) and creating that favorited smooth, silky sauce.

Parmesan

Use hard cheese such as pecorino romano or Parmesan. Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder their ability to melt smoothly. Freshly and finely grated cheese is best here, adding a handful at a time for a smooth consistency.

Bacon

Bacon is more readily available but pancetta or guanciale can also be used for a more authentic carbonara.

Garlic

Although garlic is not traditionally used in carbonara, it will add a lovely boost of flavor.

Parsley

Add your finishing touches with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (or basil).

Close-up of a creamy bowl of spaghetti carbonara, topped with crispy pancetta and freshly ground black pepper, served with a fork resting on the side.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara

  • Use room temperature eggs. Using room temperature eggs will ensure a smooth, well-emulsified silky consistency (cold eggs can seize when added to hot pasta). To quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. According to the USDA, eggs should not be left at room temperature for over 2 hours.
  • Make it richer. For an even richer, creamier consistency, use egg yolks only.
  • Lower the heat. Working quickly over low heat, stir in the egg mixture, allowing the residual heat from the pasta to cook the eggs gently to yield that velvety, silky sauce. Remove the pan from heat if needed.
  • Reserve pasta water. Thanks to the starch in the pasta water, this will help the sauce stick to the pasta as well as thicken the sauce for extra creaminess.
  • Halve the recipe. If cooking for 2, say for date night or a romantic night in, this recipe halves very well. Utilize the same cooking time with a smaller cast iron skillet.
Close-up of a creamy bowl of spaghetti carbonara, topped with crispy pancetta and freshly ground black pepper, served with a fork resting on the side.

Tools For making spaghetti Carbonara

Large cast iron skillet

Frequently Asked Questions about Spaghetti Carbonara:

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Spaghetti is a classic choice for carbonara but linguine, fettuccine or bucatini are all great alternatives.

Will I end up with scrambled eggs?

One of the most common reason for scrambled eggs in carbonara is cooking at a high temperature. Lower the heat and add the egg mixture into the center of the skillet over the pasta, avoiding the edges, tossing immediately and quickly to avoid overcooking and scrambling.

How can I store leftovers?

Spaghetti carbonara is best served immediately but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, adding a splash of water when reheating (to loosen if needed).

Can you make spaghetti carbonara without cream?

What cheese is best for carbonara?

Pecorino Romano is the classic choice, but Parmesan can be used as a milder alternative.

Can you make spaghetti carbonara without cream?

Yes! Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream. Eggs, cheese, and pasta water create the creamy texture.

How do you prevent scrambled eggs in spaghetti carbonara?

Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture, and stir quickly to create a smooth sauce.

Can I use spaghetti alternatives in carbonara?

Yes, you can use other long pastas like fettuccine or bucatini, or even gluten-free options.

Is pancetta or bacon better for carbonara?

Pancetta is more traditional, offering a richer, saltier flavor, but bacon works well in a pinch.

Spaghetti Carbonara Image 2

Spaghetti Carbonara

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
The easiest pasta dish you will ever make with just 5 ingredients in 15 minutes, loaded with Parmesan and bacon!
4.9 stars (215 ratings)
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Equipment

Instructions

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup water and drain well.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan; set aside.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes; reserve excess fat.
  • Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low.
  • Working quickly, stir in pasta and egg mixture, and gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

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