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Creamy Carbonara Recipe with Crispy Bacon Easy Authentic Italian Classic

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A quick and easy creamy carbonara with crispy bacon that delivers authentic Italian comfort food with a rich, silky sauce and smoky crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 grams) Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 ounces (170 grams) diced bacon or pancetta. Cook until crispy and golden, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 minced clove garlic during the last minute if using.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup (100 grams) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Drain pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the crispy bacon (heat off or very low). Toss to coat the pasta in the bacon fat evenly.
  5. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta while tossing vigorously with tongs. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick or dry to achieve a smooth, glossy coating.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano and black pepper on top.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling. Work quickly when combining eggs and pasta. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or spiralized zucchini noodles. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water to avoid scrambling eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: carbonara, creamy carbonara, crispy bacon, Italian pasta, easy carbonara, authentic carbonara, quick dinner, bacon pasta

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