Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Submitted by quotPink Eyedquot J

"A rich, satisfying pasta dish that is cheap, nourishing, and pleasing."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb spaghetti
• 4 slices bacon or 4 slices pancetta, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 dash red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1⁄4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• lots fresh ground black pepper

directions

1. Boil the spaghetti in salted boiling water.
2. Use at least 1/2 a gallon of water.
3. Cook the bacon pieces over medium low heat until most of the fat is rendered out, and bacon is slightly crispy.
4. Do NOT drain.
5. Add the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and saute until garlic is barely browned.
6. Beat the eggs, black pepper, and the cheese together in a bowl.
7. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the pan with the oil, bacon, and garlic mixture, add the egg mixture and either turn off the heat, or cook over very low heat while stirring constantly, you want the eggs to get creamy, not scrambled.
8. Serve with more grated parmigiano, if desired.

Reviews

[sandrasothere]

This was delicious....so easy to prepare, but tasted as if a lot more effort went into it. I probably shouldn't have it as often as I'd like to, but once in awhile you gotta indulge! Update 4/22/16: I have been making this just as posted for what? 12 years! It is a staple when we're feeling indulgent. Love, love, love this..

 

[internetnut]

I gave this 4 stars. My family liked but I loved it. This kinda reminds me of spaghetti with butter, salt & pepper. The copy I got came from Food Tv $40. a day. It's a little different. No minced garlic or red pepper. Spaghetti is 1 pound, 3 slices pancetta, 3 Tsp olive oil, 1 Tsp black pepper, 4 eggs, 3 Tsp pecorino romano + extra for serving, 2 Tsp cream (opt). The directions are about the same. The cream is to be added to the eggs. I think this needs more cream as it was a bit dry for my taste. Thanks for posting a yummy recipe! Christine (internetnut)

 

[K Ks mom]

Oh this was carb-addicts heaven! I have made it before with cream and butter, but never with the bacon fat and olive oil...I will never go back! Thanks so much for posting such a hip-defying recipe!

 

[Anna in the Philipp]

Very quick and easy but not top marks on flavour. I wanted a carbonara that didn't include cream or white wine and so I got what I asked for, not so much flavour. I added some fresh herbs but otherwise followed the recipe.

 

[Purple Nurple]

Fantastic! I only had some real bacon bits in the fridge, so I heated them in about 1T olive oil with the garlic. It came out fantastic and without the additional oil ~ this has now gone in my recipe box ~ thanks so much!