Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara

Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara

2 servings
Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara with cheese and bacon. A cheesy pasta dish, easy to make & a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • A Knob of butter

    just enough to cover the bottom of your pan to stop the pasta sticking. You can add more if you don't mind the calories!

  • 1 clove garlic

    minced

  • 2 eggs

    lightly beaten

  • Salt and pepper
  • Left over pasta

    approx 2 servings

  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese

    grated

  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Parsley
  • 1/2 Cup Pancetta or chopped

    cooked bacon

  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Melt butter in your frying pan, add garlic, bacon and any chosen vegetables. I used thinly sliced brussels sprouts and mushrooms. Toss until cooked through, then add the cooked pasta, combining.

  2. 2

    When the pasta has heated through, briefly remove the pan from the heat, pour the beaten eggs over the pasta, toss until cooked and the egg has stuck on to the pasta. Then add the grated Parmesan and toss until it is nicely distributed. return to heat to warm through and cook the eggs.

  3. 3

    Turn out onto pasta bowl, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you wish, and add chopped parsley to garnish

Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara

Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara

15 min2 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a classic Italian comfort dish that comes together in a flash? This Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara is a cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying family favorite that you'll have on the table in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect answer for a busy weeknight when you need something delicious and substantial.

Why This Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara Works

What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible speed and the harmonious blend of rich, classic Italian flavors. With just a handful of ingredients like salty pancetta (or bacon), savory Parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic, you get an authentic-tasting dish that feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something extraordinary.

What to Expect

Prepare for a wonderfully creamy and indulgent experience, where each forkful of spaghetti is coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce. You'll savor the crisp, salty bits of pancetta or bacon, which provide a delightful textural contrast and deep, savory notes. The hint of fresh garlic adds a pungent warmth, perfectly balanced by the sharp, nutty flavor of grated Parmesan. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish, adding a touch of vibrant green and herbaceous freshness to this hearty meal.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as is, this Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara is quite adaptable. If you don't have pancetta, chopped, cooked bacon works wonderfully and is explicitly called for as an alternative. For a less rich dish, you can use just enough butter to prevent sticking, or add more if you prefer a richer flavor. You could also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Serving & Context

This classic Italian dish is ideal for a quick, comforting family dinner or a cozy meal for two. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout on its own, but you could pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions