Name: Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz. spaghetti; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 oz. bacon, cut into small pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

There’s something irresistibly luscious about this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe that always brings comfort and a touch of elegance to my dinner table. The silky sauce, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that feels both indulgent and surprisingly simple to pull off.

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 Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always excited to make this recipe because it feels like an Italian restaurant dish, but with the comfort of a homemade meal. Plus, it’s quick to make, which means you get to enjoy that creamy goodness without the wait.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples that come together magically.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The eggs and Parmesan create a luscious sauce without any heavy cream.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with bacon swaps, extra herbs, or a touch of spice to suit your mood.

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 in this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe plays a crucial role in the final result. Picking good quality basics makes a noticeable difference, so here’s why I choose each one and how to shop smart to get the best flavor.

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 prefer thick-cut bacon for that perfect crispy yet meaty texture; it adds smoky depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves to gently infuse warmth without overwhelming the delicate sauce.
Spaghetti: Classic choice with the right amount of bite; be sure to cook it just al dente for the best texture.
Eggs: Use fresh large eggs as their yolks create that silky, creamy element that brings the sauce to life.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for authentic flavor; pre-grated just won’t deliver the same richness.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a spicy edge that balances the richness beautifully.
Salt: Used sparingly during pasta cooking; you can always adjust at the end to avoid oversalting.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note to finish the dish.

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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

I love putting my spin on this creamy classic by adding small tweaks here and there. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to get creative and adjust it according to your tastes or what you have on hand.

Variation: Sometimes I swap bacon for pancetta or guanciale to get an authentic Italian flair — it’s worth seeking out if you can! For a vegetarian version, try smoked mushrooms, which add a lovely umami note.

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

Step 1: Prep and crisp the bacon

While your pasta water is heating up, cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook them gently over medium-low heat to render the fat slowly, letting the bacon turn golden and crispy without burning. I like to keep a close eye here — crispy edges with a little chew make all the difference. Once done, scoop them out but keep the drippings in the pan for flavor later.

Step 2: Sauté garlic in the bacon fat

After removing the bacon, lower the heat, toss in the minced garlic, and cook it briefly until it’s fragrant and tender — about a minute. This step infuses the oil with subtle garlic flavor that melds beautifully with the sauce. Just don’t let the garlic brown here to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Whisk eggs and Parmesan

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half of the Parmesan, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. This mixture is the heart of the sauce, so getting a smooth blend is essential — it sets you up for that perfect creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook pasta and reserve water

Once your salted water boils, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. I always save about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining — this is magic liquid that helps loosen and perfect the sauce.

Step 5: Combine pasta with bacon drippings

Add a splash of that reserved pasta water into your skillet to dissolve all the delicious browned bits left from cooking the bacon. Then toss in the hot pasta, coating it evenly in the flavorful fat. This extra step boosts flavor and ensures every bite is rich.

Step 6: Create the creamy carbonara sauce

Now for the fun part — quickly pour your egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot pasta and toss vigorously. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently, forming that silky milk-like sauce, without scrambling them. If the sauce seems thick or sticky, just add a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly creamy and coats the spaghetti beautifully.

Step 7: Finish and season to taste

Stir in the remaining Parmesan, toss in the crispy bacon bits, and finish with extra black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if you need a little brightness. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements all those rich flavors.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at perfecting this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe, a few small pointers can really elevate your game. These tips help you avoid common missteps, so you get that ideal creamy, dreamy texture every time.

Work Quickly: When mixing the eggs with the pasta, toss immediately and continuously to prevent scrambling — the heat needs to be just right.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is golden for adjusting consistency without watering down the flavor.
Use Fresh Cheese and Pepper: Pre-grated cheese and pre-ground pepper just don’t have the punch needed for authentic taste.
Control Salt in Pasta Water: Add salt sparingly to avoid an overly salty dish once everything comes together.

How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

creamy spaghetti carbonara - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by a simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a brightness that helps cut through the richness. Sometimes, I also grate a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving—it feels like frosting on the cake!

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. I also like serving it alongside garlic bread for something indulgent and perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving Carbonara in individual shallow bowls with a tiny mound of extra crispy bacon on top, perhaps even a drizzle of truffle oil if I’m feeling fancy. It makes the presentation feel restaurant-worthy and adds a wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Carbonara keeps pretty well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because the sauce is egg-based, it thickens and can firm up; you’ll want to gently reheat it with a splash of water or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite option for Carbonara since the egg sauce can separate and become a bit grainy upon thawing. If you must, freeze only the pasta without sauce and freshly cook the sauce when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir constantly to evenly warm and revive that silky texture without scrambling the eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use cream instead of eggs in Carbonara?

Traditional Carbonara relies on eggs for its silky sauce, not cream. Using cream changes the texture and flavor, making it less authentic and overly rich. Stick to eggs for the classic silky coating you’re aiming for.

How do I prevent scrambled eggs when making Carbonara?

The key is to work quickly — when you add the egg mixture to hot pasta, toss or stir vigorously immediately so the eggs gently cook with the residual heat without sitting too long on the bottom of the pan. Lower heat and constant motion prevent scrambling.

Can I make this Carbonara vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute bacon for sautéed smoked mushrooms or use plant-based bacon alternatives. Just keep the garlic and cheese the same for that classic flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish nicely.

Is it important to reserve pasta water for the sauce?

Yes! The reserved pasta water contains starch released from the pasta which helps thin the sauce and make it silky, allowing it to cling perfectly to the noodles without being watery. This step is essential for true creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and remarkably satisfying. It’s a meal I turn to when I want something that’s impressive yet totally doable, and I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do. Trust me, once you taste that silky sauce combined with crispy bacon and perfectly seasoned pasta, you’ll be glad you gave it a try!