Easy Homemade Spaghetti Carbonara for a Quick Comfort Meal

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta. Remove the pan from heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing rapidly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling when mixing with pasta.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help thin the sauce perfectly.
• For a smoky flavor, try guanciale instead of pancetta or bacon.
• Serve alongside easy party appetizers like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms for a full meal.

Nutrition