Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Bacon, cracked pepper, garlic, cream, parmesan
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Carbonara Sauce
Finishing
Method
Pasta
- 1
Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Carbonara Sauce
- 2
Render the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered, about 6–8 minutes.
- 3
Add Garlic
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the bacon and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4
Create the Cream Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the bacon and garlic. Add cracked black pepper and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 5
Incorporate Parmesan
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Do not boil to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Finishing
- 6
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- 7
Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional cracked black pepper. Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan cheese.



