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Creamy Bacon Carbonara Pasta Recipe Easy Dinner for Two

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A quick and indulgent creamy bacon carbonara pasta recipe perfect for cozy dinners for two, featuring a rich, velvety sauce with smoky bacon and Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • 6 strips (about 4 oz / 110 g) thick-cut bacon
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 6 oz (170 g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, slice 6 thick strips of bacon into small pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and cook until crispy but not burnt, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to low and add 1 minced garlic clove to the bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté gently for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove pan from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 large egg yolk, ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, and ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Return drained pasta to the pot or a warm large bowl. Immediately pour the egg and cream mixture over the hot pasta. Quickly toss the pasta with tongs or fork to coat every strand, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
  6. Fold crispy bacon pieces into the pasta. Taste and season with salt and more black pepper as needed.
  7. Plate the creamy bacon carbonara pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Work quickly when mixing the sauce with pasta to avoid scrambled eggs. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash more reserved pasta water. Use fresh Parmesan for best melt and flavor. Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and help it cling to pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: carbonara, bacon pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, dinner for two, comfort food

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