Introduction
This delicious recipe features a creamy spaghetti dish with a rich flavor, highlighted by crispy bacon and the savory taste of Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a hearty meal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this pasta dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 ounces dry spaghetti noodles (¾ box)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
9 slices bacon, diced
1 tablespoon salted butter, melted (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add 12 ounces of dry spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use and drain the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1¼ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, ¼ teaspoon of dried rosemary, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 9 diced slices of bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, stirring occasionally. Once crispy, drain the excess grease and transfer the bacon to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the crispy bacon. Immediately pour in the prepared egg and cheese mixture. Toss the spaghetti continuously to ensure that the eggs cook gently and form a creamy sauce without curdling. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Add Optional Butter and Serve
If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of melted salted butter for added richness. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and additional black pepper to taste.
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting Consistency
If the pasta seems too dry after combining with the sauce, continue adding reserved pasta water gradually until the desired creaminess is reached.
Note 2: Alternative Garnishes
In addition to parsley, consider garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Note 3: Bacon Alternatives
For a vegetarian option, feel free to omit the bacon or use a plant-based substitute to maintain flavor and texture.
Note 4: Storage Instructions
If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to revive the creaminess.
Cook techniques
Cooking Spaghetti Al Dente
To achieve the perfect spaghetti texture, cook the noodles in boiling salted water until they are al dente, which means they are firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the brand. Remember to reserve some pasta water for later use in the sauce.
Making the Egg and Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, rosemary, and black pepper. Ensure everything is well combined to create a smooth consistency, which will help to create a creamy sauce when mixed with the hot pasta.
Cooking Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Use medium-high heat to cook the diced bacon in a skillet until it is crispy. This not only adds flavor but also texture to the dish. Drain excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming overly oily.
Tossing Pasta with Sauce
After combining the cooked spaghetti with the bacon, quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture while continuously tossing the pasta. This technique helps ensure that the egg cooks gently and evenly coats the noodles, forming a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
While tossing the spaghetti and sauce, gradually add reserved pasta water as needed. This will help achieve your desired sauce consistency, making it smooth and cohesive.
Adding Optional Ingredients
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can incorporate melted salted butter into the dish. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste and texture of the pasta.
Garnishing the Dish
For an appealing presentation, serve the pasta garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional black pepper. This adds freshness and a pop of color to your meal.
FAQ
Can I substitute the bacon with a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with pancetta, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
What do I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water while tossing the spaghetti until you reach your desired consistency.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?
Using room temperature eggs helps them blend more easily with the other ingredients and creates a smoother sauce. If you have cold eggs, let them sit in warm water for a few minutes before using them.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using sautéed vegetables or additional spices to enhance the flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While spaghetti carbonara is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the bacon ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them with freshly cooked spaghetti when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This spaghetti dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the creaminess of the egg and Parmesan mixture perfectly complementing the crispy bacon. The herbs add aromatic notes, making it a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. This recipe can be a staple for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, showcasing simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting dish.
Spaghetti Carbonara
A classic Italian dish that leverages similar ingredients, featuring eggs, cheese, and pancetta for a creamy, savory sauce.
Vegetable Pasta
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Linguine with Clam Sauce
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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Sauté garlic in olive oil and toss with spaghetti, finishing with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful dish.
One-Pan Spaghetti Bolognese
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Pasta Primavera
Focus on fresh vegetables, tossing them with the cooked spaghetti and adding a light olive oil and lemon dressing for a refreshing taste.
