Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

There's nothing quite like the savory, indulgent taste of classic Italian Carbonara. Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, this timeless dish combines silky pasta, crispy bacon, and a velvety egg-based sauce that's as comforting as it is satisfying.

this Recipe

My love affair with Carbonara began during a trip to Rome, where I had the most incredible bowl of pasta at a tiny trattoria. It was so simple yet so flavorful that I knew I had to recreate it at home. This recipe stays true to its Italian roots while adding a touch of convenience for modern kitchens.

Get ready to master this iconic recipe and impress your family or guests with a dish that's both elegant and easy to make.

Why You'll Love This Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible pasta dish. Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon is a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in just 30 minutes.

First, let’s talk about flavor. The creamy sauce, made without a drop of cream, gets its luxurious texture from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of pasta water. Add in the smoky, crispy bacon, and you've got a perfectly balanced bite every time.

This recipe is as quick as it is delicious. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up on a weeknight or whenever you're short on time but craving something special.

Another reason to love it? Carbonara is a crowd-pleaser. Kids adore the creamy pasta, and adults appreciate its sophisticated simplicity. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party centerpiece.

Finally, this dish is budget-friendly. You only need pantry staples like pasta, eggs, Parmesan, and bacon to create an unforgettable meal without breaking the bank.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite that belongs in everyone’s repertoire.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Classic Italian Carbonara lies in its carefully chosen yet simple ingredients. Each component is essential to achieving that authentic taste and texture.

The pasta is the heart of the dish. Spaghetti is the traditional choice, but feel free to use fettuccine or linguine if that’s what you have on hand. Make sure to cook it to al dente for the perfect bite.

Bacon adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. While guanciale is the authentic Italian option, bacon is a more accessible alternative and works just as well. Look for thick-cut bacon to get those crispy, flavorful bites.

Eggs are the secret to the silky sauce. Use large, fresh eggs, and don’t skip separating the yolks and whites. You’ll only need the yolks here for that rich, velvety texture.

Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano adds a nutty, salty note that ties the dish together. Grate it fresh for the best flavor—pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Finally, you’ll need a few pantry staples: olive oil, garlic, and black pepper. These simple ingredients round out the dish with subtle layers of flavor.

Special equipment is minimal: just a large pot for boiling pasta and a skillet for cooking the bacon. A whisk and tongs will also make the process easier.

How To Make This Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon

Creating this masterpiece is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to make a flawless Carbonara every time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the bacon. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks and 1 whole egg with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a generous amount of black pepper and whisk until smooth.

Return the skillet to low heat. Add a minced garlic clove to the bacon fat and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic-infused bacon fat. Gradually pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Stir in the crispy bacon and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

Storage Options

Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the eggs in the sauce. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture of the sauce may not hold up well after thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

Classic Carbonara is versatile and open to adaptations. Here are some creative ways to make it your own.

For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a flavorful twist.

If you’re watching your carbs, substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta alternative.

Add a touch of spice by sprinkling red pepper flakes into the sauce for a slight kick.

For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken or shrimp. These additions pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and smoky bacon.

Finally, feel free to experiment with cheeses. While Parmesan and Pecorino Romano are traditional, you can try Asiago or Gruyère for a unique flavor profile.

No matter how you customize it, this recipe is a surefire way to enjoy a taste of Italy at home.

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