Spaghetti Carbonara is a beloved Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity, rich flavors, and comforting appeal. Originating from the Lazio region, particularly Rome, this dish has become a global favorite, celebrated for its creamy texture and bold flavors of Parmesan and crispy bacon (or the traditional guanciale). With just a few staple ingredients, Spaghetti Carbonara demonstrates the art of making something extraordinary from simplicity.
The Origins of Carbonara
The exact origins of Spaghetti Carbonara are debated, but its history is rooted in the culinary traditions of central Italy. Some theories suggest it was created as a hearty meal for Italian coal miners, hence the name “Carbonara,” derived from “carbone,” meaning coal in Italian. Another theory attributes its popularity to American soldiers during World War II, who brought bacon and eggs to Italy, inspiring the dish we know today.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Carbonara Pasta
Spaghetti Carbonara is a dish that wins hearts with every bite. Here’s why it’s so beloved:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
With just a few simple ingredients and a prep time of 15 minutes or less, Spaghetti Carbonara is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
2. Rich and Creamy Flavor
The combination of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon creates a silky, savory sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.
3. A Celebration of Simplicity
Carbonara showcases how minimal ingredients—spaghetti, bacon, eggs, cheese, and garlic—can come together to create a masterpiece.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
While the traditional recipe is already perfect, you can easily adapt it. Add a touch of cream, swap bacon for pancetta, or sprinkle in fresh herbs for a personalized twist.
5. Comfort Food at Its Best
The warm, creamy texture and smoky, salty notes of crispy bacon make Spaghetti Carbonara a dish that soothes and satisfies every time.
6. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual dinner, a date night, or entertaining guests, Carbonara fits the bill with its elegant yet approachable appeal.
The simplest pasta dish you’ll ever whip up—ready in just 15 minutes with only 5 ingredients, packed with Parmesan and crisp bacon deliciousness!
Today, I’ve got another incredibly easy pasta dish to share with you. The best part? You only need 5 ingredients to make it! Actually, scratch that—the real star here is the bacon. Yes, definitely the bacon.
Seriously, this is one of those recipes that comes together in 15 minutes or less using just 5 simple ingredients: spaghetti, bacon, garlic, Parmesan, and eggs. And don’t worry about the raw eggs—they’re fully cooked by the residual heat. Just be sure to move quickly to avoid scrambled eggs. And with those crispy bacon bits, you really can’t go wrong with this dish!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 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
- Cast Iron Skillet
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain well. - Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. - Cook the Bacon:
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Reserve any excess fat. - Sauté the Garlic:
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low. - Combine Ingredients:
Working quickly, stir in the cooked pasta and the egg mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. - Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Carbonara
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh eggs and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Work Quickly: Ensure the pasta is hot when combining with the egg mixture to create a smooth sauce.
- Skip the Cream: Traditional Carbonara doesn’t use cream; the eggs and cheese are enough for a luscious texture.
- Season Wisely: Guanciale or bacon is salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
Our healthy recipes :
Grilled Prawns with Eggplant and Okra
Exploring New Orleans’ Best Seafood Spots
More recipes here
2 thoughts on “Spaghetti Carbonara”