I really feel like spaghetti carbonara gets a bad rap. And, after making this simple meal for myself last night for the very time and experiencing it in all it’s egg and bacon glory, I feel the need to fix that.
Okay? Trust me on this.
Because adding bacon can never be a bad thing…and because if pasta with bacon and creamy, silky egg is wrong I never want to be right.
Bacon and eggs belong together. We know this! They go together like tubs and bubble bath, like road trips and red gummy bears. There’s just some things in life we don’t question, and bacon’s relationship with the egg is one of those things.
I had heard of spaghetti carbonara for quite some time now but never attempted it until last night. I think the thought of eating *nearly* raw egg creeped me out to the point of no return.
But then I made it. And I died.
When you make this, your house will smell like bacon and roasted garlic. You may attract cute neighbors. You may receive marriage proposals.
With bacon, anything is possible.
And I’d like to clear something up because you might have hesitated before making this dish for years just like me for the same reason.
The egg is not raw.
No, the egg cooks as soon as it hits the hot pasta and then you continue to cook the egg by whisking the pasta over the stove for a few minutes. The end result is each strand of spaghetti covered with a silky, creamy sauce that melts in your mouth, bringing utter bliss.
I made this for myself last night when Adam was out of town on business. Apparently I have a habit of cooking bacon and steak when he goes out of town.
And if you’re worried about your waistline, don’t! That’s what the whole wheat pasta is for! Using whole wheat pasta pretty much cancels the bacon, egg and cheese out completely.
Please make this. And then let’s talk.
Spaghetti Carbonara For One
2 oz (small handful) dry spaghetti pasta
1 garlic clove, smashed and minced
1 strip bacon (good quality–preferably applewood smoked)
1 egg, slightly beaten
generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese
Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet. Remove and drain on paper towel before crumbling.
Add the minced garlic to the bacon grease and cook until fragrant (about thirty seconds). Remove from heat.
Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water. Drain and immediately place back in the pot with the bacon, bacon grease and garlic. Place pot back on the stove over low heat, add the beaten egg and whisk continuously for three minutes, or until the egg cooks and thickens, creating a silky sauce over the noodles. Be careful not to stop whisking or the egg will scramble!
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
{ 104 comments… read them below or add one }
i am in BIG trouble with this one…and you’re right, with bacon anything is possible. yet another reason to love it!
i am in love with this recipe…
I have been dying to try some carbonara for months but haven’t bit the bullet either! It may need to be a dinner this weekend. And as my bacon loving counterpart, I was totally expecting some chocolate + bacon from you!
This looks so good! I love the combination of bacon and garlic. Great pictures too!
I suspect my husband may propose to me again if I make this dish. I may use it as leverage for that kindle I must have.
Oh my goodness–she strikes again! Looks delish.
I need to add this to my dinner rotation!
Ohh, this sounds wonderful.
I always order this when we visit my favorite Italian restaurant. Its my most favorite dish. I love it so much I dare not attempt to make it because I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.
Your recipe is changing my mind
Yum. And only 6 Weight Watcher’s Points+. And I have bacon in my freezer. And will be making this for dinner tonight.
I was *just* thinking about attempting this for the first time myself! I have a hunk of leftover local bacon in my fridge and was trying to think of genius ways of using it, but you’re right – I was scared of the raw egg! Going to give it a whirl now, thanks for giving me the guts!
AMAZING! I was always terrified of the raw egg!
I will be making this, asap!
Hehe, I feel like “with bacon, anything is possible’ should be on a bumper sticker.. or an apron or something! Looks amazing as always Jenna!
If you ever find that , let me know. I need one!
I was always weirded out by the raw egg too! Lucky me though…I have all ingredients on hand as we speak. This more than makes up for the recipe not being a bacon brownie
OMG Jenna! You must have read my mind! I adore Pasta Carbonara & I dream all the time of the one that I ate in Venice this past September that was the absolute best ever! I am sure yours is just as great & I can’t wait to try it!!!
I just saw Mark Bittman make spaghetti with an egg on the Today Show and, though it looked divine, it also looked overly rich and heavy for me. But you have just sold me! And that with bacon on top!
we had this for dinner last night!!!1
Yum. And only 6 WW P+. So totally making this for dinner tonight.
hmmm Carbonara…. I have actually never had it!! shocking!
You promise the egg isn’t raw?! Promise?? Because you’re right, that’s exactly what has been stopping me….
promise!!
This is definitely next on our list of pasta dishes to try!
This was a staple in my house growing up and one of the few ‘real meals’ I would make at university. Love how quick and easy it is. The whole egg thing never bothered me but I suppose once you make it you know its a million miles from raw!
This is one of my favorite “quick and delicious” meals when I don’t have any other inspiration of what to make for supper….and then I always wonder: why don’t I make it more often? Really. It’s so simple and perfect tasting…
love,
cathy b.
When I was reading through the first few lines I was thinking.. I hope she knows the egg isn’t actually raw!
HA!
I’m happy you’ve done your research. This was the dinner we had when my mom had no real food in the house. We all loved it! I loved watching her mix the final components together as fast as possible so the egg would be evenly spread.
Pasta recipes are so simple sometimes! I love that.
I LOVE the “man-food” tag on this. Genius.
I was just reading a recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara the other day and the egg thing creeped me out too! Thanks for sharing this, and easing my raw egg fears – it looks delicious.
Wow, I had no idea Spaghetti Carbonara had *almost* raw egg in it!
Speaking of weird bacon baking I have a friend that swears by bacon cupcakes. Haven’t tried them for obvious reasons……
I tried to make a raw vegan version of this dish once.. it was horrible! hahaha.. somtimes it’s best to leave well enough alone I think.
Yet another meal I need to try, ASAP. hahaha. Love it.
Thanks for clearing that up that spaghetti carbonara does not include raw egg! I also had that misconception for years. This pasta looks to die for – and it’s just way too easy to throw together!
egg in pasta…interestingggg. but i can imagine the deliciousness since i love egg with cheese
I love spaghetti carbonara! I will definitely be trying this!
You have given me confidence to try carbonara again. I’ve been thinking about it since I saw Giada make a delicious looking version. The first time I tried, the recipe directed me to heat crushed red pepper in olive oil, and my pan was too hot, filling my kitchen with an eye-burning smoke. I think I should be able to successfully avoid that fate this time.
Oh, how you tempt me with this goodness.
oh my good good. must try this!
I love eggs and eggs on pasta? well there’s nothing wrong with that! says the girl who puts egg in her ramen noodle soup! It’s amazing if I do say so myself.
I love this dish, we make it at Christmas when my brother comes home – HE MAKES HIS OWN PANCETTA – amazing! I think I may be making this tonight….
can your brother come to my house for dinner?
That sounds amazing! Have you ever made it with guanciale? That’s amore.
I ate this for the first time at a restaurant last year. and I felt the same love for it as you did. thanks for creating a recipe!!
I didn’t even know that spaghetti carbonara was made with an egg! It’s just been one of those pasta dishes that I’ve been brainwashed into thinking is too rich, so I’ve never tried it. This looks amazing though and will be going on my list of things to make right after your turkey-lentil meatloaf!
Now this is an adorable recipe! And proof that eating alone doesn’t mean eating a frozen dinner
.
This recipe looks delicious! I’m always a little intimidated to make pasta for some reason, but I may have to venture out to try this
Carbonara is one of my favorite pasta dishes! I have never made it at home yet, but now i think i will. When it’s made right, it’s a little bit of heaven in your mouth.
I kind of think it’s better with regular spaghetti. Start with a big green salad! I love making this for big groups with French creme fraiche…so yummy!
creme fraiche would be delicious in this…I’ll have to do that next time!
While I’m a little disappointed this isn’t a bacon cupcake (if anyone could make that work-you could!) this does look pretty fantastic!! And I’m glad to read that the egg isn’t raw because I’ve run across this several times and always pass it over because I didn’t want to eat a raw egg.
bacon cupcakes might have to come in the future!
I would DEFINITELY recommend using pancetta in lieu of regular bacon.
Love ,love love these savoury posts Jenna!
Super yum!
I’ve avoided this because I always feared the egg. I had no idea it cooked. I’m much more willing to try this now.
If you swear the egg isn’t raw, i’ll give it a shot! I LOVE bacon so why not put it in pasta? I’m going to be giving this one a try soon!
that looks so great! I love spaghetti carbonara!! basically anything with eggs and bacon….thanks for the recipe!
I was wondering how this could possibly be related to bacon and eggs! What a cool idea!
You should make your own pasta. Seriously, once you do it you will never want to go back…and I know you love being covered in flour
Also, if you ever have a chance to go to the pizza place Poila, jump on it! They have a Cabonara Pizza, out of this world!!
You said yesterday that this post wasn’t what I was thinking but…I was thinking carbonara! It’s like you read my mind! Maybe it’s because I made your lemon pound cake recipe last night, which was uh-mazing, by the way. And seeing as EVERYTHING I’ve ever tried from your site is uh-mazing, I have to try this too, especially because I have had a total hankering for this dish for DAYS.
though I wouldn’t eat the bacon, i’m fascinated by the addition of the egg and how it cooks through!! i’ll have to try it, for sure
i love spaghetti carbonara, and i actually have all the ingredients for this!
I’ve always been hesitant about the raw egg thing too. Glad to know that it doesn’t actually become a potential dinner, with a side of salmonella. This looks so good. I’ll definitely try it.
Oh my heavans!!! This sounds SO wonderful. I created a shortcut for the next time that B is out of town so that I can partake in the creamy, eggy gloriousness!! Always looking for good ‘dinner for one’ type things for when he’s out on business. Thanks Jenna!
This is our go-to “no groceries” meal–because we always at least have one egg, one slice of bacon and some kind of pasta. Beautiful photos!
Divinity. That’s the only word I can think of.
i don’t eat bacon (i’m a jew, it hurts my grandparents’ souls when i think about it
), but i love the concept of whisking an egg into pasta. i’m going to try this with udon noodles – thanks for the idea!
You were right! This isn’t just bacon and eggs
I used to live in Rome and I’d always order this at restaurants. If you ever find pancetta or thick-sliced bacon it works even better
and maybe a little parsley. Also, try beating the cheese in with the egg before adding it to the pasta- FANTASTIC!
Hi Jenna! I’ve visited your blog for over two years now, and I just want to say I really appreciate your take on life, exercise and food
I think life can be lived without chocolate, but its much better with it. I do however, have a question. I know that portion size is big for you, but how do you do it? When I like a dish/dessert especially I find myself going for thirds…thanks so much for sharing a balanced perspective, that includes God.
This is perfect for my weekend coming up. I can sub the bacon with some veggie bacon and I am good to go. Thanks Jenna!
This recipe seems a lot simpler than some of the carbonara ones I have made before. Can’t wait to try it out.
Ohhhh I’ve made this almost the exact same way myself, and it’s absolutely DIVINE. I always go a little heavy on the parmesan though
I hope the rest of the world soon realizes that *real* spaghetti carbonara doesn’t have cream!!
You just made it possible for me to deal with the blizzard we had in NY (our 8th so far!). Can’t wait to go home and curl up with this.
I have been a long time reader- but rarely comment. I just want to tell you that I am loving the new direction of the blog. You are hilarious and definitely found your niche. Kind of like the Pioneer Woman but at a different stage of life.. love it!
Just thought I would send some encouragement your way- keep it up!
OMG I have a whole lot of mouth watering going on after reading this post! That looks amazing and I think I’m going to have to try it! I wonder if it will work with turkey bacon? I’m just thinking, what will I do with a lb of bacon minus 1 strip
I can’t be trusted with bacon around 
Oh man does this remind me of Italy. I’m not a bacon-eater (I know, I can feel the virtual slap coming through my screen as I type this) but this still looks absolutely divine. You’re recipes never cease to impress me!
ooo I wanted to make this for so long, but was afraid. But you’ve managed to persuade me again. Bacon TONIGHT!
do ittttt
If I had to choose, carbonara would be my last meal. All of my favorite foods: eggs, pasta, bacon. Love.
I’m with you, sister!
this is my personal favorite recipe for it — try it!
That looks sooooo good!!! I’ve been craving spaghetti lately. Maybe instead of the red sauce and garlic bread I just make it with BACON…MMM
This recipe is anything BUT unhealthy! It looks great – even from a vegan perspective!
I am really loving that you are posting recipes for one. I love cabonara and I am going to try out the recipe tomorrow when I pick up my weekly supply of local farmstand eggs!
LOVING YOUR SAVORY RECIPES!
I love bacon in savory dishes. I am going to make this, might double it for two. Saving this one!
oh holy yum!!!
I am making this very, VERY soon.
I wish a plate of it would show up on my desk here at work right now.
Oh bacon, how I love thee! Yet another one of your recipes I must try out!
I just moved to Italy for 5 months! Now all I want is to eat this! Perfect for my itty bitty kitchen!
I recently read that pasta alla carbonara was created during WWII from bacon and egg rations of US soldiers in Italy. No idea if there’s any truth to that but I like the sound of it
it’s even better with a splash of white wine or vermouth to the garlic/bacon mixture before it gets tossed with the pasta and egg!
I, too, have been turned off by the raw eggs. Apparently, the authentic way to make this IS with raw eggs mixed with parmesan cheese, all of which is then put on the spaghetti when the spaghetti has cooled enough so that the egg does not cook. This is the key to the creamiest sauce.
But, I will take it your away ANY day over that. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea… the bacon part draws me in… just not the raw egg.
That looks delish!!! I would love to make it for a dinner party we have coming up, but one of my girlfriends does NOT eat any kind of red meat. I know, I know… anyhow, is there any way to make this dish with chicken?
I have no shame in enjoying a good carbonara every once in a while. And your version almost seems healthy compared to ours! We use a recipe from a Williams-Sonoma cookbook. Pancetta, parmesan, and romano cheese, among other things.
And I agree, adding the egg at the end makes it sooo creamy and good.
I’m eating this right now. It is amazing! I never have all the ingredients for a recipe I see posted on a blog, but this time I did! So I seized the day and made this for dinner tonight. Delicious!
awesome! will try this soon but aww, man … now you’ve got me cooking and all! (i love that cereal bar recipe, btw. making them again tonight!) =)
i’ll probably need to increase my weekly mileage to rid my guilt!
This is perfect, I can make this for my husband and I can have something else. Dairy and me just don’t get along
Adorable.
Oh my gosh, this looks absolutely delectable. I’ve already filed it in my recipe box and I am sure that it will become a favorite!
I made this for myself this fall and it was amazing. However, I was worried it didn’t look right, but now that I’ve seen your picture, I feel better because mine looked like yours!
Spaghetti carbonara is like my kryptonite. I can never to stick to an individual serving and my recipe involves bacon or pancetta (or if I’m feeling extra indulgent, both) plus a bit of heavy cream. It is definitely the stuff dreams are made of. The BF and I are going out for Italian tonight and if there’s carbonara on the menu, you know I’m ordering that!
Okay, I tried to make this TWICE and both times ended up with scrambled eggs! First I used a cast iron skillet but I think that held the heat too much, so then I tried a nonstick pan and made sure the heat was on low. I whisked like crazy and still, scrambled eggs! What am I doing wrong??
oh no!! You need to take the pan OFF the heat while you add the eggs and then DON’T STOP WHISKING over low low heat until the eggs thicken. You may want to try not putting it back on the heat at all because it sounds like your pan/skillet is holding a ton of heat as is!
That must be it… I was just turning off the burner instead of taking the pan off. Okay, I’m gonna try again tonight. Third time is the charm!
oh gosh…let me know how it goes!!
I’m totally making this today. And I can’t help it but I think I’m gonna have to double to bacon. More bacon never hurt anything, right?
Can I just say this was great! I am in college (so quick and cheap is always good when it comes to food) but I made it with whole wheat pasta and turkey bacon (i added a little olive oil) to make it more healthy and throw in 1/2 cup of peas (I cooked them in them between the bacon and garlic) . This was great! I have been looking for a carbonara recipe!
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