Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet for cooking bacon and garlic
- Mixing bowl for eggs and cheese mixture
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Turn off heat and let cool for a minute.
5. Pour egg mixture over spaghetti and toss until well coated. The heat from the spaghetti will cook the eggs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking bacon and garlic
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 550
Total fat: 27g
Saturated fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 240mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total carbohydrates: 49g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 27g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pancetta or guanciale can be used instead of bacon.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the egg mixture if it's too thick.
- Make sure the skillet is off the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best results.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying out.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large pasta bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
Garlic bread or a side salad
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the egg mixture is too thick, add some pasta water to thin it out.
- If the eggs scramble, turn off the heat immediately and add more cream or cheese to salvage the dish.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian dish that originated in Rome during World War II. It was a popular dish among American soldiers and eventually became a staple in Italian-American cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, creamy, and cheesy
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Creamy, Savory, Rich, Bacon, Cheesy, Egg, Bacon-Y, Egg-Y