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Authentic Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

This authentic Italian spaghetti carbonara recipe delivers a creamy, rich pasta dish ready in just 20 minutes. Made with eggs, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano cheese, and turkey bacon, it creates a velvety texture without using cream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 4 slices turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternative, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until well combined.
  4. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Immediately add hot pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Remove from heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Plate the carbonara immediately while hot, garnishing with additional cheese and black pepper.

Notes

The key to creamy carbonara is adding the egg mixture off the heat to prevent scrambling. Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce perfectly.