Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that combines simplicity and rich flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe for Easy Pasta Carbonara is designed to be straightforward, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Easy Pasta Carbonara is rewarding and satisfying. It’s a quick dish that uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love! Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe will impress your family and friends without taking too much time.
How to Make Easy Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces dried spaghetti
- 6 slices chopped thick-cut bacon
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- ½ cup fresh or frozen peas
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons minced parsley
Directions
- Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 8 ounces of dried spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Save some of the hot pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 6 slices of chopped thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Drain excess grease but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Heat the pan over medium-high heat again and add 5 minced garlic cloves, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute. Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen peas and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside until the pasta is ready.
- With the pan of bacon and peas on medium heat, add the hot pasta directly from the boiling water. Toss the pasta with the bacon and peas for about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- In a large metal mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add the pasta mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine until the noodles are coated with the sauce.
- Very gradually add and mix in ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the noodles, stirring constantly to create a lightly thickened sauce that coats the pasta.
- Place the bowl of pasta over the pot with boiling water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Discard some water if needed.
- Toss and stir the pasta frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Ensure to stir well to avoid curdling.
- Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with 2 teaspoons of minced parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper on top.
How to Serve Easy Pasta Carbonara
Serve your Easy Pasta Carbonara immediately while it’s hot. It pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or serve it with a glass of white wine for a special touch.
How to Store Easy Pasta Carbonara
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to help regain some creaminess.
Tips to Make Easy Pasta Carbonara
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Stir the egg and cheese mixture rapidly with the hot pasta to create a smooth sauce.
- Reserve a little more pasta water than needed; you can always add a bit more to reach the desired consistency.
Variation
For a twist on traditional Carbonara, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also use pancetta instead of bacon for a taste variation.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use other shapes like fettuccine or penne, but spaghetti is traditional.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of Carbonara?
Yes! You can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for flavor.
3. Can I make Carbonara ahead of time?
Pasta Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, reheat gently and add a bit of pasta water to restore creaminess.
Easy Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients
Pasta Preparation
- 4 quarts water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 8 ounces dried spaghetti or any other pasta shape
Flavor Components
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped can substitute with pancetta
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh or frozen peas
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 8 ounces of dried spaghetti to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Save some of the hot pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once hot, add 6 slices of chopped thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- Drain excess grease but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Heat the pan over medium-high heat again and add 5 minced garlic cloves, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute.
- Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen peas and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to combine.
- Turn off the heat and set aside until the pasta is ready.
Combining
- With the pan of bacon and peas on medium heat, add the hot pasta directly from the boiling water.
- Toss the pasta with the bacon and peas for about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- In a large metal mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the pasta mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine until the noodles are coated with the sauce.
- Very gradually add and mix in ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the noodles, stirring constantly to create a lightly thickened sauce that coats the pasta.
- Place the bowl of pasta over the pot with boiling water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Toss and stir the pasta frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with 2 teaspoons of minced parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper on top.
