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30-minute Spaghetti Carbonara

A classic Italian dish made in just 30 minutes, featuring spaghetti, crispy bacon or pancetta, and a creamy sauce for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

  • 12 oz Spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
  • 6 oz Bacon or pancetta chopped
  • 3 large Eggs preferably room temperature
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1 tsp Black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon or pancetta over medium heat until crispy. If using, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

Combining Everything

  • Quickly add the hot spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon, then pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.

Serving

  • Serve immediately with additional cheese and parsley if desired.

Notes

Use higher quality bacon or pancetta for better flavor. Ensure the spaghetti is hot when mixing with the egg mixture for a creamy texture. Don’t skip the black pepper for a nice kick. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for about 2-3 days.
Keyword Comfort Food, Italian Recipe, pasta, quick dinner, Spaghetti Carbonara