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Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe Easy Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal

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A quick and easy creamy pasta carbonara with bacon and eggs, perfect for cozy dinners and budget-friendly meals. This recipe delivers a silky sauce with crispy bacon and simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 6 oz (170g) bacon, chopped (thick-cut preferred)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340g) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz (170g) chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add freshly ground black pepper (about 1 teaspoon) and set aside.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and bacon fat. Toss well to coat the noodles.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing vigorously. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce until it reaches a creamy consistency.
  7. Fold in crispy bacon pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent scrambling the eggs by removing the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: carbonara, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, easy dinner, budget-friendly, comfort food, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-pasta-carbonara-recipe-easy-budget-friendly-comfort-meal/