Spaghetti Carbonara (Easy Bacon Version)
Craving the rich, creamy flavors of classic Italian pasta without the fuss? This Spaghetti Carbonara (Easy Bacon Version) is the perfect solution. With crispy bacon, tender pasta, and a luscious, silky sauce made from eggs and Parmesan, it’s comfort food at its finest — and ready in under 30 minutes.
Traditional carbonara uses pancetta or guanciale, but bacon makes this recipe easy, accessible, and just as delicious. This quick Italian pasta dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bacon Carbonara
- Rich, creamy, and indulgent
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Ready in 20–25 minutes
- No cream needed — authentic egg-based sauce
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Perfect for weeknight meals or casual dinner parties
This version of carbonara balances simplicity and flavor, giving you the authentic taste of Italy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. - Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan. - Optional Garlic Sauté
If using, sauté minced garlic in the bacon fat over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. - Combine Pasta and Bacon
Return cooked spaghetti to the skillet (off heat). Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing constantly to coat the spaghetti without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired creaminess. - Add Bacon and Serve
Stir in crispy bacon. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Spaghetti Carbonara (Easy Bacon Version)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook spaghetti until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Cook chopped bacon until crispy, set aside.
- Optionally sauté garlic in bacon fat for 30 seconds.
- Whisk eggs with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Off heat, toss hot pasta with egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in crispy bacon, garnish, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Carbonara
Work Quickly with the Eggs
Add the egg mixture to hot pasta off the heat to prevent scrambling.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Parmesan melts smoothly and gives the sauce a silky texture.
Control Creaminess
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency — a little at a time until perfect.
Crisp Bacon
Ensure bacon is crisp but not burnt; the fat adds flavor to the sauce.
Delicious Variations
- Pancetta or Guanciale: Swap bacon for traditional Italian cured meats for an authentic touch.
- Mushroom Carbonara: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Vegetarian Option: Use smoked tempeh or roasted veggies instead of bacon.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the egg mixture for heat.
What to Serve with Bacon Carbonara
Pair this creamy pasta with:
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
- Simple arugula or Caesar salad
- Steamed or roasted green vegetables
- Light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid microwave if possible — eggs can scramble.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding eggs over high heat (causes scrambling)
- Not reserving pasta water for the sauce
- Overcooking spaghetti
- Burning bacon
Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Bacon Carbonara delivers all the rich, creamy comfort of traditional carbonara with minimal effort and everyday ingredients. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for anyone craving Italian-inspired pasta without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Crispy bacon, silky egg-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together for a dish that tastes luxurious but cooks in less than 30 minutes — ideal for weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.
