Pasta Carbonara Recipe


This pasta carbonara recipe is quick, easy and delicious!

pasta carbonara recipe



I don't know who first thought of combining onions, bacon, cheese and eggs into a pasta sauce, but the result is fabulous! This is a favorite of everyone at my house.




Check that you have these staples at home

  • in the cupboard

    • spaghetti
    • vegetable oil
    • prepared vegetable stock
    • salt
    • pepper

  • in the fridge or freezer

    • bacon
    • onion
    • butter
    • eggs
    • Parmesan cheese

Get out your equipment

  • Essential

    • a pasta pot or large saucepan
    • a cutting board and sharp knife
    • a skillet
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • a small bowl
    • a pasta strainer
    • a wooden spoon or other mixing spoon

  • Nice to have but not necessary

    • a spatter screen
    • a rotary cheese grater
    • a whisk for beating the eggs (if not, use a fork)





    The recipe

    1 pound/500 g long pasta

    8 slices bacon

    1 Tbsp/15 mL oil

    1 cup/250 mL chopped onion

    1/2 cup/125 mL vegetable stock

    1/4 cup/60 mL butter

    1/2 tsp/2 mL salt

    1/4 tsp/1 mL pepper

    2 eggs

    1 cup/250 mL grated Parmesan cheese



    In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

    Meanwhile, dice the bacon and cook it in a small skillet.
    Pour off the grease.

    In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
    Add the onion and cook until tender and transparent.

    Add the stock, butter, salt and pepper.
    Heat until the butter melts, but don't let it boil.

    Break the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

    When the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.
    Add the sauce and the bacon and toss to mix.

    Add the eggs.
    Toss to mix.

    Add the Parmesan cheese.
    Toss to mix.

    Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan to sprinkle on top.




    Substitutions

    • Use another long thin pasta (like spaghettini or fettucini or linguini) in place of the spaghetti.

    • Use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock.

    Ideas for making this recipe your own

    • Make your own Homemade Vegetable Stock.

    • Substitute another cured meat, like pancetta or sausage, for the bacon.

    • Experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta or pecorino.

    • For a hint of color, add some frozen (thawed) peas to the finished dish.

    Tips

    • I like to use a block of Parmesan cheese, and grate it as I need it. Bring the rotary cheese grater to the table, and let each person grate extra Parmesan on top of the pasta as desired.

    • You may wonder about the wisdom of eating eggs that are not thoroughly cooked. Here are my thoughts.





    Menu suggestion

    Serve this dish with





    If you enjoy this pasta carbonara recipe, you may also like these other easy pasta recipes: