Description
Indulgent bacon carbonara blends Italian culinary tradition with creamy comfort. Rich pancetta, silky eggs, and parmesan create a luxurious dinner you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at a rolling boil for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Carefully extract 1/2 cup starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
- Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Using the same skillet with residual bacon fat, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, about 45-60 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking gently to create a smooth, unified sauce.
- Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and develops a rich consistency.
- Introduce cooked pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Fold in crispy bacon pieces and sweet green peas. Heat through for an additional minute to meld flavors and warm ingredients.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while sauce remains creamy and hot.
Notes
- Enhance bacon’s crispiness by patting it dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- Control cream sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky texture without overwhelming the dish.
- Experiment with alternative proteins like pancetta or turkey bacon for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
- Reduce calorie content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opting for turkey bacon or lean protein alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg