There's something irresistibly comforting about a creamy, peppery pasta that comes together faster than you can imagine. This Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe hits all the right notes—simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, carbonara will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

A plate with a single layer of spaghetti pasta that is pale yellow and shiny, mixed with small pieces of crispy brown bacon scattered throughout. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, along with some black pepper dots. A silver fork lifts some spaghetti from the right side of the plate. The plate is white and sits on a white marbled surface with a few green herb leaves in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, carbonara feels fancy while still being incredibly easy. This recipe is one of those meals I whip up when I want something special but without hours in the kitchen. The magic lies in its simplicity and how a handful of basic ingredients transform into something so indulgent.

Simplicity at its best: Only a few ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce without any heavy cream.
Quick and approachable: From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Great for beginners: I'll walk you through how to avoid scrambled eggs and get that perfect silky sauce every time.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with what you have—different cured meats, cheeses, or herbs.

A round silver pan filled with a single layer of spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy light yellow sauce. Scattered throughout the pasta are small pieces of browned meat and bits of black pepper. The spaghetti is mixed with fresh green parsley leaves on top for color contrast. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing this dish to life. Simple pantry staples combine perfectly to build layers of flavor. Let me give you the lowdown on why I use these specific ingredients and how to choose the best versions for your carbonara.

Flat lay of crispy bacon pieces, two whole cloves of garlic, a nest of uncooked spaghetti, three large whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of salt, and a small handful of fresh parsley leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: I use bacon here for a smoky, crispy punch; pancetta or guanciale are traditional and just as lovely if you can find them.
Garlic: Adds a soft hint of warmth without overpowering the sauce—mince finely so it sautés evenly.
Spaghetti: Classic choice that holds the sauce well; use good quality dried pasta for best texture.
Eggs: The heart of carbonara sauce—make sure to whisk them well to create that creamy texture instead of scrambled bits.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and adds salty richness—pre-grate it yourself if you can.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Don’t skimp! It’s essential for the signature peppery bite.
Salt: Used cautiously in pasta water and adjusted at the end to avoid over-salting.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal contrast that brightens the dish right at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is how adaptable it is. I love experimenting with different cured meats or adding a touch of cream for extra silkiness, but you’ll find your own perfect balance with a little practice.

Variation: I once swapped bacon for diced pancetta and added a sprinkle of pecorino cheese along with Parmesan—delicious! You can try smoked turkey bacon for a lighter twist or even mushrooms for a vegetarian take (skip the bacon then).

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Step 1: Bring the water to a boil and prepare bacon

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt (not too much here—remember, the cheese and bacon add saltiness later), and bring it to a boil with the lid on to speed things up. While the water heats, chop up the bacon into small pieces and cook it in a large skillet on medium-low heat until it’s beautifully crispy. This slow cooking renders out fat and intensifies flavor—don’t rush it! Once done, remove the bacon and lower the heat.

Step 2: Sauté garlic and whisk your sauce

Quickly mince two cloves of garlic and add them to the warm skillet (no extra oil needed) to gently soften for about a minute until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, half the Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper in a medium bowl. This mix is the creamy secret, so get those eggs smoothly incorporated!

Step 3: Cook the pasta and save some water

Now add your spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until just al dente—firm but not tough. This is crucial because the pasta will keep cooking a bit when mixed with the hot bacon pan juices and egg sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside for adjusting your sauce later.

Step 4: Mix pasta with bacon liquid

Pour about a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water into the skillet with bacon fat and cooked garlic, stirring to dissolve all those fond-y browned bits—that’s where the flavor lives. Toss the hot, drained spaghetti straight into the skillet and coat it all with the bacon-infused liquid. This step infuses the pasta with delicious smoky goodness.

Step 5: Toss with egg and cheese mixture quickly

This is the moment to work fast: pour your egg-Parmesan mixture over the pasta and immediately start stirring or tossing vigorously. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently, turning your mixture into a glossy, velvety sauce without scrambling. If the pasta seems too thick or sticky, add small splashes of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the remaining Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and another crack of black pepper, then toss everything once more.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that timing and temperature control are everything when making carbonara. These tips will save you from scrambled eggs and help create that perfectly silky sauce.

Work Quickly: Pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta and toss immediately to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is gold for loosening the sauce and bringing everything together smoothly.
Keep Heat Low: After frying bacon, lower the heat before adding garlic so it softens gently without burning.
Use Freshly Cracked Pepper: It adds essential texture and flavor—pre-ground pepper just won’t do here.

How to Serve Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Spaghetti Carbonara - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with a little sprinkle of fresh parsley—not just because it looks pretty, but it adds a surprising burst of freshness that balances the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan at the table is also a winner for cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

To complement this rich pasta, I like serving a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is also perfect to sop up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served carbonara wound into neat little nests in shallow bowls, topped with a twist of pepper and a sprig of parsley—instant elegance without extra fuss. It’s a fun way to elevate a simple dish when guests arrive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Carbonara is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually add a tiny splash of reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing carbonara isn’t ideal because the sauce can separate and become grainy, but if you must, freeze only the pasta (without sauce) and freshen it up by making a new sauce when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth, stirring constantly. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to overcook the eggs and toughen the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully, you can try fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni. Just keep in mind that shapes with ridges or tubes hold the sauce differently, so adjust the pasta water accordingly.

Why don’t we add cream to this carbonara?

Traditional carbonara relies on eggs and cheese for creaminess without any heavy cream. Adding cream changes the texture and flavor, making it richer but less authentic. This recipe aims to achieve that silky sauce naturally through technique.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in my carbonara?

The key is to mix the egg and cheese mixture with pasta off the direct heat and toss quickly, using the residual heat to gently cook the eggs. Also, tempering the eggs with a splash of pasta water beforehand can help. Working quickly and steadily stirring or tossing avoids scrambling.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add toasted nuts or roasted veggies to boost texture and taste. Just remember that classic carbonara needs cured pork, but this variation is delicious in its own right.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to time after time—it’s approachable, comforting, and downright delicious. I hope you give it a try because it’s the kind of simple dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Once you nail the technique, it’s happiness every time, and you’ll love making it your own.