Name: Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon 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; ¾ cup grated Parmesan (divided); ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ½ tsp salt; Handful fresh parsley (optional)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about that rich, silky sauce clinging to tender spaghetti strands. This Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe brings simple ingredients together in a way that’s pure magic—plus, it’s quicker than you might think!

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti pasta with light yellow strands twisted together, mixed with small pieces of crispy brown bacon scattered throughout. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled evenly on top, adding fresh color. Small black pepper flakes are visible on the pasta, giving a textured look. A silver fork on the right side twirls some spaghetti with a piece of bacon on it. The background is a white marbled surface with some green parsley leaves in the top right corner and uncooked pasta strands slightly blurred 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 Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can't get enough of this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe. It feels fancy but comes together in no time, which makes it perfect for a weekday dinner or impressing friends without sweating it.

Simple ingredients: You probably have all of these in your kitchen already, making the recipe super accessible.
Authentic creamy sauce: Made from eggs, Parmesan, and pasta water—no cream needed for that luscious texture.
Bacon adds perfect crispiness: Smoky, crunchy bacon bits elevate the entire meal with a satisfying bite.
Impressively easy technique: Tossing hot pasta with the egg mixture is where the magic happens—once you try it, you’ll never go back!

A shiny silver pan with two handles holds creamy spaghetti mixed with small pieces of cooked bacon and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. The long pasta strands are coated evenly with a light yellow sauce, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface, showing some bits of sauce stuck to the pan edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this dish is how a handful of ingredients come together so beautifully—each has its part to play, from flavor to texture. When shopping, look for fresh eggs and good-quality bacon for the best results.

Flat lay of crispy strips of fresh uncooked bacon, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a nest of uncooked spaghetti, three large whole white eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, and a small bunch of vibrant fresh parsley leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Provides that smoky, crispy element that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Garlic: Adds subtle fragrance and depth when lightly sautéed.
Spaghetti: Classic pasta choice that holds the sauce wonderfully.
Eggs: The key to that signature creaminess without heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Goes beyond flavor, helping thicken the sauce and adding saltiness.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is a must—it wakes up all the flavors.
Salt: To season the pasta water and balance the dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh note as garnish.

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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

I love tweaking this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe depending on my mood or what I have in the kitchen. You should feel free to make it yours too—don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or swaps.

Variation: One time, I swapped bacon for pancetta for a more authentic Italian vibe and was thrilled with the deeper, meaty flavor.
Vegetarian Twist: If you want to skip the bacon, try crispy mushrooms sautéed with garlic—they add a satisfying umami punch.
Cheese Upgrade: Mixing Pecorino Romano with Parmesan can boost the salty tang, but stick to what you like!
Herb Infusion: I sometimes toss in a little fresh thyme or basil for a seasonal lift—especially nice in spring.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Bacon and Garlic Prep

Start by chopping your bacon into small pieces. Cook them gently over medium-low heat until they turn beautifully crispy and golden brown—this slow render gives you the best texture without burning. Once done, remove the bacon but keep the drippings in the pan. Now, toss in minced garlic and sauté it briefly in the warm bacon fat just until fragrant—about a minute. Be careful not to brown it too much or it can turn bitter.

Step 2: Cooking Perfect Spaghetti

While the bacon crisps, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until just al dente—as a rule, taste a strand a minute before the package suggests so you catch the perfect chew. Reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s gold for making your sauce silky.

Step 3: Whisking the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a generous grind of black pepper until smooth. Getting this mix well incorporated is key—it ensures your sauce will be wonderfully creamy without any lumps.

Step 4: Combining Pasta and Sauce

Return to your skillet and pour in about a quarter cup of the saved pasta water to the bacon drippings—scrape the bottom with a spoon to release those brown bits packed with flavor. Now, add your hot drained spaghetti and toss to coat everything evenly. Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and quickly start tossing or stirring vigorously. The heat from the pasta gently cooks the eggs into a dreamy creamy sauce. Move fast but gently; the last thing you want is scrambled eggs.

Step 5: Final Touches

Mix in the crispy bacon bits, the remaining Parmesan, and a bit more cracked pepper. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, splash in a little more reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect silky consistency. Give it a final taste and adjust salt, cheese, or pepper as needed. Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright pop of color and freshness.

Top Tip

Having made this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good and restaurant-quality.

Egg Temperature: Use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs can clump when combined with hot pasta.
Pasta Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving pasta water; the starchiness is what helps the sauce cling and get silky.
Quick Tossing: Stir the pasta and egg mixture briskly right after adding eggs to avoid scrambling and get that smooth sauce.
Salt Control: Add salt sparingly to pasta water because the bacon and Parmesan already add plenty of saltiness.

How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe

Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my carbonara with freshly chopped parsley—not just for a pop of green, but it brightens those rich flavors beautifully. Sometimes, I sprinkle an extra dusting of Parmesan before serving for that cheesy finish. If you like a hint of heat, a tiny pinch of chili flakes can also work wonders.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a nice textural contrast and freshness, making the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and garnish with a small sprig of parsley or a curled strip of crispy bacon on top. Serving it in shallow bowls helps keep the sauce pooled for extra lusciousness. A small ramekin of extra Parmesan on the side lets guests add more if they want—makes dinner feel cozy yet elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best to keep some of the reserved pasta water handy because the sauce can thicken when chilled, so when reheating, a splash helps bring back creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my go-to since the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. But if you must, freeze immediately after cooking and reheat gently with added pasta water or cream to bring back the texture.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to scramble the eggs. This method keeps it creamy and delicious, almost like freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use cream in the Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe?

Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream—the creaminess comes from the eggs and cheese emulsifying with the pasta water. Adding cream can make it heavier and mask the authentic flavor. But you can add a splash if you prefer a richer texture.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

The key is to toss the egg mixture with the hot pasta quickly and continuously off direct heat. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently into a smooth sauce rather than scrambling them. Using room temperature eggs also helps.

What can I substitute for bacon?

Pancetta is the classic carbonara meat option and makes a great substitute. For a non-pork version, crispy sautéed mushrooms or smoked turkey bacon can work well while keeping that smoky element.

Is it OK to add vegetables to this Carbonara?

Absolutely! While classic carbonara is just pasta, cheese, eggs, and meat, adding vegetables like peas, asparagus, or spinach can add color and nutrition. Just add them at the right time so they don’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s proof that you don't need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make something truly delicious. I hope you get as much joy from cooking and eating it as I do—give it a try and you might just have a new favorite comfort meal!