Classic Italian Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, velvety taste of Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon. This beloved dish combines creamy eggs, sharp cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta into a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal made right in your kitchen.

I first fell in love with carbonara on a trip to Rome, where I had my first authentic plate in a tiny, family-run trattoria. Since then, I’ve perfected my own version using everyday ingredients, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon

Get ready to fall in love with this deliciously simple yet elegant pasta dish. Carbonara is a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and savory flavors that come together in just minutes.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have a gourmet meal ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for when you're short on time but still crave something indulgent.

No heavy cream needed! Traditional carbonara achieves its silky sauce with just eggs, cheese, and pasta water, making it lighter yet incredibly satisfying.

Bacon adds a delicious twist. While purists use guanciale, crispy bacon brings a smoky depth to the dish that complements the rich, cheesy sauce beautifully.

Best of all, this recipe is completely foolproof. Follow my simple tips, and you’ll never end up with scrambled eggs or dry pasta—just a perfectly creamy carbonara every time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of carbonara lies in its simplicity, so choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference.

Pasta: Traditional spaghetti is the go-to choice, but fettuccine, bucatini, or rigatoni work just as well. The key is using a pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

Bacon: While traditional recipes call for guanciale (cured pork cheek), good-quality thick-cut bacon works wonderfully and is more accessible. Cook it until crisp for the best texture and flavor.

Eggs: You’ll need large eggs to create that signature silky sauce. Using a mix of whole eggs and yolks ensures richness without making the sauce too heavy.

Cheese: Pecorino Romano is the classic choice, bringing a sharp, salty kick. If you prefer a milder taste, Parmesan is a great alternative or can be combined with Pecorino for a balanced flavor.

Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is a key ingredient, adding warmth and depth. Don’t be shy—carbonara should have a peppery bite!

Special Equipment: A large skillet for crisping the bacon and a mixing bowl for whisking the eggs and cheese together are essential. Having tongs to toss the pasta in the sauce will also make your life easier.

How to Make This Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon

Making carbonara is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy pasta dish.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente, since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s the key to a smooth sauce.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor.

In a bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 1 cup of Pecorino Romano until smooth. This mixture will transform into the creamy sauce once combined with the hot pasta.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon fat, tossing to coat. Remove from heat and immediately pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly with tongs to create a creamy, silky sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Fold in the crispy bacon, season generously with freshly cracked black pepper, and toss everything together one last time. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top.

Total cooking time? Just 25 minutes! The result is an incredibly creamy, rich, and satisfying pasta dish that feels like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.

Storage Options

While carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can still save leftovers for later!

Refrigerating: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken, but it will still be delicious when reheated properly.

Freezing: Unfortunately, carbonara doesn’t freeze well because the egg-based sauce tends to separate. It’s best to enjoy it fresh!

Reheating: To bring your carbonara back to life, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water or milk. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the eggs turn rubbery.

Variations and Substitutions

Carbonara is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs!

Use Pancetta or Guanciale: If you want a more traditional take, swap bacon for pancetta or guanciale. Both will give you that signature Italian flavor with a bit more authenticity.

Make It Spicy: Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes to the bacon as it cooks for a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Go Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini instead. You’ll still get a rich, flavorful dish without the meat.

Try a Dairy-Free Version: Swap the cheese for a nutritional yeast-based alternative, and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. While it won’t be traditional, it’s still a delicious option!

Experiment with Different Pastas: While spaghetti is classic, try penne, rigatoni, or linguine for a fun twist. Even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Carbonara is all about simplicity and technique, so as long as you follow the method, you can experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Classic Italian Carbonara with Bacon, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. With its creamy texture, crispy bacon, and bold cheesy flavor, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

So grab your pasta, eggs, and bacon, and let’s bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen tonight! 🍝🇮🇹

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