Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
Creamy and savory spaghetti alla carbonara with bacon, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese, offering rich flavors that suit comfort food lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice bacon into 1/2-inch strips and add to skillet.
- Cook over low heat until bacon is cooked but not overdone.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix in Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet with bacon and cook briefly.
- Drain spaghetti and add to the skillet with bacon and mushrooms.
- Remove skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture to coat the pasta evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using guanciale instead of bacon, which is traditional in authentic carbonara. You can also add a little garlic for extra depth. Be sure to mix the egg mixture quickly with the pasta off the heat to prevent scrambling. If you want a creamier sauce, a splash of pasta water can help achieve that consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve spaghetti alla carbonara with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Style Pork Roast or Asparagus Lasagna Bianco.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti alla carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the eggs to curdle.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Alla Carbonara contains roughly 523 calories, with 26g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make carbonara vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of carbonara, substitute the bacon with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use smoked tofu for a similar texture and flavor profile, making sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).