Spaghetti Carbonara: Creamy, Simple, and Delicious!

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that captures the essence of simplicity.  With just a handful of ingredients such as spaghetti, eggs, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper you can whip up a restaurant quality meal in under 30 minutes!  

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.  Let's dive into making this creamy and savory pasta dish, just the way it was meant to be.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's get started!  

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS SPAGHETTI CARBONARA RECIPE:

• Minimal Ingredients:  With only  a few kitchen staples, you can prepare a gourmet meal in no time.  
• Rich and Creamy:  The silky sauce, made from eggs and cheese, coats every strand of pasta.
• Quick and Easy:  Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a perfect dish or busy weeknights.  
• No Cream Needed:  This authentic-ish recipe gets its creaminess soley from eggs, making it deliciously rich without heavy cream.  

Ingredients:

For this Spaghetti Carbonara you will need to gather a few simple ingredients.  

• 12 oz Spaghetti
• 6-8 Slices of Bacon
• 3 large Eggs
• 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Cloves of Garlic (optional)
• Ground Black Pepper
• Salt (for boiling pasta)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.  Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. 
2. Cook the Bacon:  While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.  If you're using garlic, toss it in for the last minute to infuse the fat with flavor.  Once cooked, remove the garlic, and set the bacon aside.  
3. Make the Carbonara Sauce:  In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper.  The mixture should be thick and creamy.  
4. Combine Everything:  Once the pasta is cooked and drain, immediately toss it into the skillet with the chopped bacon (off the heat).  Quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, tossing constantly to create a silky sauce. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently, resulting in a creamy texture.  If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.  
5. Serve: Plate the Spaghetti Carbonara and top it with extra Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (optional).  Serve immediately and enjoy this rich and flavorful dish. 

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:  

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PERFECT SPAGHETTI CARBONARA:

• Use Room Temperature Eggs:  This helps prevent the sauce from scrambling when it hits the hot pasta.
• Toss Quickly:  The key to a smooth, creamy sauce is to toss the pasta and egg mixture quickly off the heat.
• Reserve the Pasta Water:  Don't forget to save some starchy pasta water!  It helps emulsify the sauce and achieve the perfect consistency.
• Authentic Meat Choice:  I chose bacon here, but for a more authentic flavor, use pancetta or guanciale (cured pork cheek).

FAQs:

Can I use cream in Carbonara?

Traditional carbonara doesn't use cream!  The creaminess comes from the emulsified eggs and cheese mixture, which creates a rich sauce when combines with the pasta.  

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

The key is to take the skillet off the heat before adding the egg mixture and to keep tossing the pasta quickly to prevent the eggs from cooking too fast.  

Is there a vegetarian option?  

To make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to give the dish a hearty texture and flavor.  

Spaghetti Carbonara is a must try for any pasta lover!  Its velvety texture, savory flavor, and comforting richness make it a true classic that never fails to impress.  Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group, this simple dish will have everyone asking for seconds.  Now get in the kitchen and give it a try tonight!

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~