Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that has gained immense popularity all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that can be made easily at home with just a few ingredients. The dish is characterized by its creamy, silky sauce made with eggs, cheese, and bacon, which is then tossed with spaghetti.
This post needed a recipe makeover with new pictures, updated points info, and a recipe video. It has been a while since I made it and guys you get a lot of pasta for 1 serving! 4 servings is about a cup and a ½ each. Pasta carbonara can be quite an intimidating dish to make because of the eggs.
I remember the first couple of attempts I made this dish the eggs ended up scrambling but if you follow the recipe below that will not happen to you! The trick is to turn the heat down to the lowest heat possible after the bacon gets done cooking. Bacon and eggs are a staple item at any breakfast meal and now you can have them for dinner too. 🙂
If you want more dinner recipe ideas try Crack Chicken Lasagna Rolls, Cheesy Chicken Green Bean Bake, or Creamy Alfredo with Bacon and Peas.
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Why You Will Like This Recipe
One of the things that makes Spaghetti Carbonara so great is its versatility. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it pairs well with a variety of wines.
It is also a great dish to make when you are short on time, as it can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
Ingredients Needed
- Spaghetti - use whole wheat spaghetti for NI
- Eggs - The best type of eggs you can buy at the store are organic or free-range eggs, while others may prefer eggs from specific breeds of chickens
- Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese that originated in Italy. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a sharp, nutty flavor. Parmesan cheese is often grated and used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and other foods.
- Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork that is commonly eaten for breakfast in many parts of the world. It can be served in a variety of ways, including crispy or chewy, and is often used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, and salads.Garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
Step 1: In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes; reserve excess fat.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan; set aside.
Step 4: Reduce the burner heat to low. Stir in garlic until fragrant with the leftover bacon fat, and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in pasta and egg mixture, and gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or more parmesan cheese if desired.
What to serve with Spaghetti Carbonara?
- Air Fryer Garlic bread: Freshly toasted garlic bread is a perfect complement to spaghetti carbonara. It's crunchy, buttery, and adds an extra element of flavor to the meal.
- Caesar salad: A refreshing Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons is a perfect side for spaghetti carbonara. The contrast of the fresh salad and the rich pasta creates a balanced meal. Just pick up a bag at the store!
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli are a nice side to any meal. The caramelized flavor of the vegetables pairs well with the savory carbonara sauce.
- Red wine: A glass of red wine is the perfect beverage to pair with spaghetti carbonara. It's a classic combination that enhances the flavors of both the dish and the wine.
Recipe FAQS
If you're looking to cut calories and saturated fat, carbonara sauce may be the better option. The eggs in carbonara sauce provide protein, while the bacon or pancetta adds some flavor without adding too many calories. That being said, carbonara sauce is still high in fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.
If you tried this Spaghetti Carbonara any other recipe on my website, please please See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Weight Watchers Spaghetti Carbonara
- Prep Time: 8 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 18 min
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Medium
- Method: StoveTop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Pasta Carbonara - creamy pasta coated in an egg and cheese sauce and topped with bacon. An easy 5 ingredient dish that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti (use whole wheat spaghetti for NI)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes; reserve excess fat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan; set aside.
4. Reduce the burner heat to low. Stir in garlic until fragrant with the leftover bacon fat, and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in pasta and egg mixture, and gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or more parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving size: 1 cup
Notes
myWW points: Blue 10; Green 11; Purple 10
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 269
- Sugar: .9
- Fat: 7.66
- Saturated Fat: 3.33
- Carbohydrates: 34.37
- Fiber: 2.1
- Protein: 14.55
Jen says
What is the serving size?
Sally says
Seems to be 8 points. We had it tonight for the first time ever. But why the pasta water? I must be missing something. Parsley leaves make it pretty.
Alpha Prime Elite says
Really great visual appeal on this site, I'd value it 10.
Jenna says
Ha ha! Glad he liked it. 🙂
Kathy says
My husband liked it. So if he liked it. You know it's good!!
Jane says
What is the amount per serving? A lot of pasta dishes are 1 1/2cups equals a serving.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I am definitely craving spaghetti carbonara right now - this looks delicious! definitely need to follow your lightened up recipe, thanks for sharing it!