Pasta Alla Carbonara

chefs-mate chefs-mate 0 Comments
Servings: 4 Difficulty: Advanced
Jump To Recipe Print Recipe
Creamy, rich, and authentic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon
Pasta Alla Carbonara recipe image
Pasta Alla Carbonara recipe image
Print Recipe

Pasta Alla Carbonara

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 Calories: 32.8

Description

This classic Italian Pasta Alla Carbonara delivers a luxurious, creamy sauce without using a drop of cream. The magic lies in the emulsion of beaten eggs, sharp Parmesan cheese, and rendered bacon fat, which coats the hot pasta into a silky, glossy finish. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish offers a profound depth of savory flavor and a satisfying texture that feels indulgent yet comforting. It is perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something gourmet but quick to prepare. The aroma of frying bacon and toasted garlic (if you choose to add it) fills the kitchen, promising a hearty meal for the whole family. Serve immediately for the best texture, as the sauce thickens as it cools.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. If making fresh pasta, prepare the egg pasta dough, roll it as thin as possible, and cut into 1/8- to 1/4-inch wide strips.
  2. Cut the bacon into thin strips widthwise and chop the onion.
  3. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
  4. Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  5. Remove bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  6. Reduce heat to low and cook the onion in the remaining bacon fat until soft, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
  8. Beat the eggs together in a small bowl.
  9. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until tender, about 3 minutes for fresh pasta or according to package directions for dried.
  10. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or a warm serving bowl.
  11. Over low heat (or off heat if the pasta is very hot), toss the pasta with the cooked bacon, onion, beaten eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
  12. Toss vigorously until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy; heat just until the pasta is warmed through and the eggs are cooked but not scrambled.
  13. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  14. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 32.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.3g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 6.2g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 1.2g3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Pre-prep: You can make the egg pasta dough, cut the bacon, chop the onion, and grate the cheese several hours in advance to speed up cooking time.

Tip: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, ensure the pasta is hot but not scalding when you add the egg mixture, and toss quickly. The residual heat from the pasta cooks the eggs gently.

Variation: Traditional carbonara often uses guanciale instead of bacon and pecorino romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.

Storage: Carbonara is best served immediately. If you must store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

Keywords: pasta, carbonara, italian, bacon, eggs, parmesan, creamy, fettuccine, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, traditional, main course, cheese, onion, homemade pasta
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious