Name: Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces thick-sliced bacon; 1 pound dried spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine pasta; 3 large egg yolks; 1 large whole egg; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus more for serving); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley; Kosher salt (for pasta water)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

If you crave a dish that feels like a warm hug from an Italian nonna, then you are going to adore this Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe. It brings together silky, cheesy sauce with crispy bacon and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity elevated to pure comfort food magic, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking pan filled with nine long, uncooked bacon slices laid flat side by side. Each slice has layers of pale pinkish-red meat mixed with white fat, creating a striped pattern. The bacon strips are evenly spaced to cover the entire bottom of the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface, and at the bottom, uncooked spaghetti strands can be seen loosely arranged. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully selected to build layers of flavor and creamy texture. From luscious egg yolks to sharp cheeses and crispy bacon, every element plays a crucial role in making the dish shine with authenticity and richness.

12 ounces thick-sliced bacon: Rich and smoky, bacon is the star protein that adds crunch and depth to the carbonara sauce.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the pasta water to perfectly cook your noodles.
3 large egg yolks: They create the rich, silky base of the sauce without overwhelming the palate.
1 large whole egg: Adds a little extra body and creaminess to the sauce without making it heavy.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Parmesan gives a nutty, salty bite that balances the creamy sauce and bacon.
½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus more for serving): Sharp and tangy, Pecorino adds a lovely punch that makes each bite unforgettable.
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for that peppery kick that lifts the entire dish.
1 pound dried spaghetti, bucatini or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta for a classic texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a cheerful pop of green color.

How to Make Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Bacon Until Crispy

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lay the thick-sliced bacon on a rimmed baking sheet lined with paper towels; if you prefer crispier bacon, place it on a rack inside the sheet to allow the fat to drip away. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so it crisps evenly and turns a beautiful deep color. Once done, transfer the bacon back onto paper towels to soak up extra fat, then chop into small pieces that will melt gloriously into the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl (ideally your pasta serving bowl), whisk together the three egg yolks, one whole egg, grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will become the luscious sauce base that envelops your noodles with creamy goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente

Boil 4 to 5 quarts of water in a large pot, adding generous kosher salt to flavor the pasta internally. Cook your choice of spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine until just al dente—usually about 10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out ¾ cup of the starchy pasta water; this will be key to perfecting the sauce’s texture.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs and Combine

Slowly whisk ⅓ cup of the hot pasta water into the egg and cheese mixture. This important step raises the temperature of the eggs gently, preventing scrambling when they meet the hot pasta. Then, immediately add the drained pasta to the bowl and toss vigorously with tongs or large spoons. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Finally, mix in the crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley, folding them into every strand of pasta for maximum flavor and freshness.

How to Serve Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe

The image shows two white plates filled with round nests of yellow spaghetti noodles mixed with bright green peas and small pieces of reddish brown bacon, sprinkled with white grated cheese and small green parsley flakes. A silver fork rests on each plate, twirling a few strands of spaghetti. To the right, a large white bowl holds more of the spaghetti mixture, garnished with a green parsley leaf, with a silver spoon resting in it. A small white bowl containing grated cheese is placed near the top, and two glasses with light-colored drinks are on the white marbled surface, which serves as the backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses along with a crack of black pepper for that perfect finish. A few extra sprigs of chopped parsley will add a cheerful green contrast and fresh aroma right before serving.

Side Dishes

This comforting pasta shines best with simple, complementary sides. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables provides a refreshing balance to the creamy sauce. For something heartier, crusty garlic bread or a warm breadbasket invites you to savor every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls so everyone gets that beautiful plating look with bacon scattered on top. Drizzle a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil for a subtle fruity note and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant dinner party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1 to 2 days to keep the textures fresh and flavors bright.

Freezing

Because of the creamy egg-based sauce, freezing carbonara is generally not recommended as the sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy the dish fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can scramble the eggs. Stir continuously until just warmed through to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use pancetta instead of bacon in the Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe?

Absolutely! Pancetta is the traditional ingredient and provides a slightly milder, more delicate pork flavor, but bacon’s smoky richness gives the dish a heartier twist. Both options work wonderfully depending on your taste preference.

What type of pasta works best for Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe?

Classic long strands like spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine are ideal because their shape holds onto the silky carbonara sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is coated in flavor.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in this pasta recipe?

Yes, the heat from the freshly cooked pasta gently cooks the eggs when tossed quickly, creating a creamy sauce rather than scrambled eggs. Tempering the eggs with warm pasta water is key to safe and smooth sauce preparation.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This particular recipe relies on bacon for its signature smoky character, but you could substitute with smoked mushrooms or smoked cheese for a vegetarian spin. Keep in mind it will change the flavor profile significantly.

How can I make the sauce creamier without adding cream?

The creamy texture in this Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe comes from a combination of eggs, cheese, and starchy pasta water. Make sure to whisk the eggs with pasta water carefully and toss immediately after draining the pasta to achieve that silky sauce without any cream.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Pasta Carbonara with Bacon Recipe is like inviting a little taste of Italy into your kitchen with very little fuss and incredible rewards. Each bite offers creamy, savory satisfaction that’s hard to beat. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover just how effortless and delicious authentic carbonara can be!