Spaghetti carbonara is one of the easiest, most simple pasta recipes there is, with simple comforting flavours that are a winner for the whole family. It can be whipped up with very little effort using ingredients that you will almost certainly have in the fridge already. Make sure not to overlook the spoonful of spaghetti water, as it is actually a key ingredient. The starchy water makes a slick, simple sauce that helps the silky egg, cheese and bacon mixture stick to the pasta. The basic ingredients make it a great cheap midweek dinner, particularly if the fridge is looking a little bare. It is really easy to bulk the recipe out for more people, and you can make the sauce even richer by adding an extra egg yolk or two - saving the egg whites for a meringue based dessert. Be sure to serve the carbonara with plenty of black pepper, and an extra sprinkling of Parmesan if you like your spaghetti cheesy.
Method
- Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add a pinch of salt and the spaghetti and boil for 8 minutes then drain, but reserve a cup of the cooking liquid.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and add the bacon. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir through the garlic and cook for a further minute.
- Mix the Parmesan and eggs together, then toss through the spaghetti with the bacon until evenly coated. Add 100ml (4fl oz) of the cooking liquid, toss again, then serve with plenty of cracked black pepper.
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) spaghetti
- 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 100g (4oz) bacon, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 50g (2oz) Parmesan, grated
- 2 free-range eggs
Top Tip for making Spaghetti Carbonara
Give this dish a flash of colour and extra flavour by adding grated courgette to the pan while you fry the bacon
-
Chocolate and hazelnut roulade
This chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Baileys Cheesecake
This no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
By Jess Meyer Published
-
Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline
Serve this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Monty Don's foolproof advice for growing the 'tastiest' garlic cloves this season
Now is the time to get started with garlic growing and Monty is here to tell you the very best variety to plant this month.
By Emily Smith Published
-
Hosting a dinner party? Gwyneth Paltrow’s chic hexagonal plates are the contemporary touch that will elevate your table
The modern style will give your table setting a chic and sleek update
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Pasta chips, summer's trendiest snack, are a must for your backyard BBQs
Plus, the versatile treat can be made in your air fryer
By Danielle Valente Published