Spaghetti Carbanara

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
Creamy, cheesy spaghetti tossed with crispy bacon and garlic for a quick weeknight dinner
Spaghetti Carbanara recipe image

Spaghetti Carbanara

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 629.0

Description

This comforting twist on classic spaghetti features tender pasta tossed with crispy bacon, savory garlic, and diced vegetables. The dish delivers a rich, aromatic flavor profile with a pleasant kick of heat from the green pepper. It is an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or when you crave a satisfying, home-style meal for the whole family. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe offers a hearty experience that balances salty, savory notes with fresh textures, making it a reliable favorite you will return to again and again.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining completely.
  4. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned.
  5. Remove bacon from skillet, leaving the fat in the pan.
  6. Add the crushed garlic, diced onion, and diced green pepper to the bacon fat.
  7. Sauté vegetables until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the vegetables.
  9. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon and vegetable mixture.
  10. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
  11. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  12. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 629.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 47.7g74%
Saturated Fat 15.9g80%
Cholesterol 52.2mg18%
Sodium 1950.8mg82%
Total Carbohydrate 5.1g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Sugars 2.2g
Protein 42.5g85%

* 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

For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of butter when tossing the pasta.

If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet when sautéing the garlic and onions.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Ensure the bacon fat is not too hot before adding the garlic to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.

Keywords: spaghetti, bacon, garlic, onion, green pepper, italian, pasta, dinner, quick, easy, comfort food, weeknight, savory, crispy, family meal, homestyle
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