Creamy Bacon Carbonara: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe
Imagine a plate of pasta coated in a creamy, savory sauce with crispy bacon, a hint of Parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of black pepper. That’s bacon carbonara—a delicious twist on the Italian classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will have you feeling like a chef in your own kitchen.
This bacon carbonara recipe serves two people, making it ideal for a date night or a cozy meal for one with leftovers. Here’s what you’ll need:
200g (about 7 oz) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
100g (3.5 oz) bacon, diced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt for pasta water
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, you’ll get the bacon and sauce ready.
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. The bacon fat that renders in the pan will infuse the pasta with a smoky, savory flavor, making each bite irresistible. Once the bacon is crispy, remove the skillet from the heat, but leave the bacon and fat in the pan to keep everything warm.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese. This mixture will be the base for your carbonara sauce, creating that creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
When the pasta is done, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. Add the pasta to the skillet with the bacon, tossing it gently to coat the noodles in the bacon fat. With the skillet off the heat, quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing constantly to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Serve your bacon carbonara hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh parsley if you like. Each bite is a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and just a little bit smoky—comfort food at its finest.
Do you add any special ingredients or twists to your carbonara? Let’s share tips in the comments to keep our bacon carbonara game strong!
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