creamy pasta with bacon

Carbonara Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This carbonara recipe is a game-changer, offering a creamy, comforting dish that’s easier to make than you might think. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

  • Rich, creamy sauce that feels indulgent without needing heavy cream—just eggs, cheese, and starchy pasta water.
  • Quick and simple with only a handful of ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable with add-ins like peas, garlic, or crispy pancetta to make it your own.

Recipe

creamy italian pasta delight

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 400g spaghetti
  • 200g pancetta or guanciale, diced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 100g Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, fry the pancetta in a pan until crispy. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, grated cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper.
  4. Toss the hot pasta with the pancetta, then quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring vigorously. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
  5. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper on top.

Notes:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs, so work quickly to avoid scrambling.

Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Serving: 4

Nutrition

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich and creamy sauce. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories450 kcal
Protein15 g
Carbohydrates40 g
Fat25 g
Saturated Fat10 g
Cholesterol150 mg
Sodium400 mg
Fiber2 g
Sugar3 g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my carbonara with warm, crispy garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the dish. These sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the star of the table.

Garlic Bread Pairing

There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread to complement a creamy carbonara. I love experimenting with garlic variations, like roasted or fresh, to tweak the flavor. For bread types, I often go for a crusty baguette or soft ciabatta—both soak up the butter beautifully. It’s simple, but that golden, garlicky crunch makes every bite of carbonara even more satisfying.

Fresh Salad Options

When I’m serving up a rich, creamy carbonara, I like to balance it with something light and fresh, like a crisp salad. I keep it simple with fresh ingredients—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber—tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Seasonal vegetables like radishes or shaved carrots add crunch. It’s the perfect contrast to the pasta’s richness, and it’s so easy to throw together!

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