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

There’s something downright satisfying about a dish that’s rich, silky, and packed with comforting flavors. This Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe hits all those notes perfectly, making it a go-to when you want dinner to feel a little special without a fuss.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti pasta with light yellow strands twisted together, mixed with small pieces of crispy brown bacon scattered throughout. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled evenly on top, adding fresh color. Small black pepper flakes are visible on the pasta, giving a textured look. A silver fork on the right side twirls some spaghetti with a piece of bacon on it. The background is a white marbled surface with some green parsley leaves in the top right corner and uncooked pasta strands slightly blurred 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 honestly think this recipe is one of those timeless classics you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whenever I make it, the creamy sauce combined with crispy bacon brings a little joy to the table no matter the day.

Simple ingredients: You don't need anything fancy; pantry staples come together beautifully here.
Quick to make: You’ll have dinner ready in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and with crispy bacon bits, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Room to customize: You can easily tweak seasonings or add your favorite greens without losing any magic.

A shiny silver pan with two handles holds creamy spaghetti mixed with small pieces of cooked bacon and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. The long pasta strands are coated evenly with a light yellow sauce, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface, showing some bits of sauce stuck to the pan edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient has a really distinct purpose in bringing the creamy spaghetti carbonara to life. The bacon adds smoky saltiness, the Parmesan lends nutty richness, and the eggs turn everything silky without needing cream. A little freshly cracked black pepper wakes up the flavor, and if you want, fresh parsley brings in a pop of freshness at the end.

Flat lay of crispy strips of fresh uncooked bacon, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a nest of uncooked spaghetti, three large whole white eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, and a small bunch of vibrant fresh parsley leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Choose regular or thick-cut for crispy, flavorful bites that anchor this dish.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aroma and depth when sautéed gently—don’t let it burn!
Spaghetti: Classic long pasta is perfect here for coating in that silky sauce.
Eggs: The real star for that creamy sauce texture without any cream — just fresh eggs whisked with cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Go for freshly grated to get the best nutty flavor and creamy melt.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is key—it gives a warm bite and contrasts beautifully with the richness.
Salt: Used sparingly, mostly in pasta water to season, but adjust to taste at the end so you don’t overdo it.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbaceous lift if you want a fresh contrast with the creamy pasta.

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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

One of the reasons I adore this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Maybe you like a little extra peppery punch or swapping bacon for pancetta. I encourage you to experiment and find what feels right for your taste buds.

Variation: I've swapped bacon with guanciale or pancetta on occasion for a more authentic Italian vibe—each version brings its own character.
Vegetarian option: Leaving out the bacon and adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika can give a lovely smoky, meaty depth.
Herb additions: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chili flakes or chopped thyme along with parsley for extra aroma.
Cheesy twist: Switching half the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano ups the saltiness and sharpness—delicious if you love bold flavors.

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

Step 1: Start with perfectly salted pasta water

I fill a large pot with water and add just enough salt to give it a gentle sea-like taste—not too much, because we’re seasoning again later. Then I cover it with a lid to bring it to a rolling boil quickly. Salting your water right is key because it’s your first chance to add flavor to the pasta itself.

Step 2: Crisp up the bacon and sauté garlic

While the water comes to a boil, I slice the bacon into small bits and cook it low and slow in a large skillet. The goal is irresistible crispy bits without burning. When it's ready, I take the bacon out and turn the heat down before adding minced garlic. I sauté the garlic briefly—just a minute or so until fragrant—to infuse the pan.

Step 3: Whisk the creamy egg and Parmesan mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half the Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth. Getting this mixture well-combined is essential for that silky sauce. It’s amazing how simple ingredients become decadent when mixed just right.

Step 4: Cook pasta to al dente and save pasta water

Once the water is boiling, I add the spaghetti and stir to prevent sticking. Cooking to al dente ensures the pasta holds up nicely when tossed in the sauce. Before draining, I always scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture later.

Step 5: Bring it all together in the skillet

Back to the skillet that cooked the bacon, I pour in about a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water. Stirring this helps dissolve all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Then, I add the hot drained pasta and the bacon back in, tossing everything gently so the pasta starts soaking up those flavors.

Step 6: Pour the egg mixture and toss quickly

This step requires some quick hands: pour the egg and Parmesan mix over the hot pasta and immediately start tossing or stirring vigorously. The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs gently, turning it into a creamy sauce without scrambling. If the sauce ends up too thick, a splash more pasta water does the trick to loosen it up.

Step 7: Finish with extra Parmesan, pepper, and parsley

To finish, I sprinkle in the remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle more freshly cracked black pepper for brightness. Finally, toss in the crispy bacon bits and some fresh parsley for color and herbal lift. Give everything one last gentle toss and it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

From my multiple attempts making this Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe, I’ve learned a few little secrets that save the day every time. Here’s what to keep in mind to get that perfect velvety sauce.

Work quickly: Toss the egg mixture right after adding it, so the eggs don’t scramble but gently cook with the pasta heat.
Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is magic—it smooths and loosens the sauce when it feels dry or thick.
Control salt carefully: Salt mainly goes into pasta water and cheese; avoid over-salting early to keep balance.
Use fresh cracked black pepper: It adds a slightly spicy, peppery warm note that makes the dish really pop.

How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a generous sprinkle of more freshly grated Parmesan and a few pinches of minced parsley for that fresh, green contrast. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a twist of black pepper on top. These small touches make it feel homey and just a bit elevated.

Side Dishes

For sides, I keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed asparagus, or even garlic bread, are great companions. It’s all about balancing textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

One memorable time, I plated the carbonara in individual shallow bowls and topped each with a soft-poached egg for extra indulgence—it was a hit at dinner! You could also nestle the pasta on a bed of sautéed spinach for added color and nutrients, perfect for guests or a cozy night in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is egg-based, I find it’s best to reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite option here because the egg sauce can separate or become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the carbonara gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water (or milk) to bring back creaminess. Microwaving works too but can risk drying out or cooking the eggs further, so stirring often helps.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a substitute for bacon in this recipe?

Absolutely! While bacon adds great smoky flavor, you can use pancetta, guanciale for a traditional touch, or even smoked mushrooms or mushrooms with smoked paprika for a vegetarian twist.

Why don’t we use cream in this carbonara recipe?

Cream isn’t traditional in classic carbonara. Instead, the eggs combined with cheese and pasta water create that rich, silky sauce. It’s lighter and lets the other flavors shine without heaviness.

How do I avoid scrambled eggs when making carbonara?

The key is to toss the egg and cheese mixture with the hot pasta quickly and off direct heat. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently. Working fast and stirring constantly helps prevent scrambling.

Can I prepare any steps ahead of time?

You can cook the bacon and prepare the egg and cheese mixture ahead. Just keep the eggs chilled. Cook and toss pasta last for the freshest, creamiest result. Avoid making the full sauce far in advance to prevent texture issues.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that simple ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can transform into something magical. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug and also makes you look like a pro cook. I’m excited for you to try it out and make it your own—trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s a recipe you’ll want on repeat.