Name: Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 oz. bacon; 2 cloves garlic; 12 oz. spaghetti; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; handful fresh parsley (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, creamy texture of carbonara coating perfectly cooked spaghetti — and this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up on any night. It’s simple, quick, and feels just a bit special without any complicated steps.

A plate with a single layer of spaghetti pasta that is pale yellow and shiny, mixed with small pieces of crispy brown bacon scattered throughout. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, along with some black pepper dots. A silver fork lifts some spaghetti from the right side of the plate. The plate is white and sits on a white marbled surface with a few green herb leaves in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is my go-to when I want something flavorful and satisfying that doesn't demand hours in the kitchen. Plus, it highlights how a handful of simple ingredients can come together into something that tastes like a Sunday dinner classic.

Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples like eggs, Parmesan, and bacon - no fancy stuff required.
Speedy to Make: From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Comfort Food Vibes: Creamy, savory, and just the right hint of pepper to make each bite irresistible.
Flexible & Customizable: You can tweak the recipe easily to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

A round silver pan filled with a single layer of spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy light yellow sauce. Scattered throughout the pasta are small pieces of browned meat and bits of black pepper. The spaghetti is mixed with fresh green parsley leaves on top for color contrast. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe lies in its simple ingredients which blend beautifully — salty bacon, sharp Parmesan, eggs for creaminess, and pepper for bite. Picking good quality elements makes all the difference here.

Flat lay of crispy bacon pieces, two whole cloves of garlic, a nest of uncooked spaghetti, three large whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of salt, and a small handful of fresh parsley leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: Choose thick-cut for a meaty chew and crisp it until golden for that perfect texture contrast.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aroma and flavor depth without overpowering.
Spaghetti: Classic pasta that holds the sauce well; cook until al dente to avoid mushy results.
Eggs: The key to a velvety carbonara sauce, use large eggs for richness.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan gives that authentic nutty, salty kick.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds essential heat and complexity, don’t skimp here!
Salt: Seasonal and adjust as needed, especially when salting the pasta water.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A bright, fresh note to cut through the richness at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic take on this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe, playing around with it is half the fun. Feel free to swap bacon for pancetta or guanciale if you can find them, or even try it with turkey bacon for a lighter spin.

Vegetarian Version: I’ve tried swapping bacon for sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for that smoky flavor, and it still hits the spot.
Extra Creamy: Adding a splash of cream isn’t traditional, but sometimes I do it to keep leftovers silky the next day.
Spice it Up: A pinch of chili flakes gives a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Herbs: Parsley is classic, but fresh basil or chives can add a fresh herbal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Pasta Water to a Boil With Salt

Start by filling a large pot with water and seasoning it lightly with salt—not too much because that can make the dish overly salty later. Cover it with a lid and bring it to a rolling boil. I always keep an eye on this step because timing the pasta right ensures the perfect “al dente” bite every time.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Garlic

While the water heats, chop your bacon into small bits and cook over medium-low heat until crisp and golden. Remove the bacon and reduce the heat. Toss in the minced garlic and gently sauté for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn, just soft and tasty. That buttery bacon fat infused with garlic is the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs, Cheese, and Pepper

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half your grated Parmesan, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. This mix is the heart of your sauce, so take a moment to blend everything smoothly. It’s important so the sauce can form that luscious, creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Reserve Water

Add the spaghetti to boiling water and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente—it should be tender with just a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the pasta cooking water; this starchy water is gold for loosening the sauce later. Then drain the pasta well.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Bacon Liquid

Pour about a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water into the skillet you cooked your bacon in. Stir well to dissolve all those yummy browned bits stuck on the pan—it’s where a lot of the flavor lives! Immediately add your hot pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with this bacon-infused liquid.

Step 6: Toss Pasta with Egg Mixture Quickly

Pour your whisked egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot pasta and start tossing or stirring right away. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently, turning them into a silky sauce. Work fast to avoid scrambling the eggs; the key to silky carbonara is constant movement as you mix.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese, Pepper, and Bacon

Add the remaining Parmesan, more cracked pepper, and toss in the crispy bacon bits. If the pasta feels thick or sticky, splash in more reserved pasta water bit by bit until the sauce loosens to your ideal creaminess. Give it a final taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately — carbonara is best when it’s warm and creamy!

Top Tip

After cooking this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe numerous times, I've learned a few tricks that can really take it from good to great. These come straight from my kitchen experiments, and they’ve saved me from a few near-scrambles!

Cook Pasta Just Right: Always aim for al dente and reserve plenty of pasta water; it’s your secret weapon for that silky sauce texture.
Mix Eggs and Cheese Thoroughly: Whisk well to prevent clumps and help the sauce come together smoothly.
Work Quickly: Adding the egg mixture to really hot pasta requires fast tossing to avoid scrambling and create that creamy finish.
Don’t Over-Salt Early: Salt the pasta water lightly because between the bacon and cheese, the dish can get salty fast. Taste and adjust at the very end.

How to Serve Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

spaghetti carbonara - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my carbonara with freshly chopped parsley—not only does it brighten the plate visually, it adds a fresh herbal zing that cuts nicely through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

To balance the creamy pasta, I like serving a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread is a classic for soaking up any extra sauce, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a wonderful texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve plated this carbonara in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens and a drizzle of good olive oil—makes for a pretty and inviting dish. You can even serve it alongside small antipasto boards for a rustic Italian-inspired dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they last 1-2 days. The sauce thickens in the fridge, but it still tastes delicious when reheated gently.

Freezing

Carbonara doesn't freeze as well as fresh, mostly because the egg-based sauce can separate when thawed. I recommend making just enough to enjoy fresh or storing leftovers only in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and keeps that creamy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use cream in carbonara?

The traditional Italian recipe doesn’t use cream, relying instead on eggs and cheese to create the creamy texture. However, some home cooks add a splash for extra richness – it’s not authentic, but it’s up to your taste!

What’s the difference between bacon and pancetta in carbonara?

Bacon has a smokier flavor as it’s cured and smoked, while pancetta is cured pork belly without smoke. Pancetta tends to be more traditional in carbonara and provides a slightly sweeter, less smoky flavor. Either works depending on what you prefer or have handy.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

The key is to toss the hot pasta quickly with the egg and cheese mixture using the residual heat rather than direct heat. Working fast and stirring constantly helps create a smooth sauce rather than scrambled eggs. Also, avoid adding the eggs to the pan over heat.

Can I prepare carbonara ahead of time?

Carbonara is best served fresh; the egg sauce doesn’t hold as well after refrigeration. If you want to prep ahead, cook the pasta and bacon separately, then combine and toss with eggs and cheese just before serving to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe has been a welcome constant in my kitchen whenever I crave something indulgent but straightforward. The way simple ingredients transform into this creamy, comforting dish is nothing short of magic, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Give it a try tonight—you might just find yourself hooked on the simplicity and flavor just like I am!