Pasta Carbonara with Chopped Bacon

March 1, 2011

Looking for a recipe that’s quick, easy and off the beaten path? Forget your usual spaghetti and smother your noodles in a rich, creamy carbonara sauce accented with Parmesan cheese and salty cured bacon.

Pasta Carbonara with Chopped Bacon
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 box (8 ounces) spaghetti, fettuccine or angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon, raw and chopped into 1/2" pieces
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium-size bowl, beat together eggs and 1 cup cheese. Set aside.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water in a measuring cup.
While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Remove from heat.
Stir 1/2 cup reserved cooking water into the egg and cheese mixture. Pour mixture and fresh parley into skillet, tossing to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide pasta among 4 serving plates or bowls.* Garnish with remaining cheese, parsley and pepper, then serve.

*Tip: Add a gourmet touch by warming your dishes before serving. Heat them in your oven at its lowest temperature, or run them under scalding hot water and towel dry.

Tip: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more of your reserved cooking water to the skillet until it’s easy to coat the noodles.

More Ideas for Bacon
Looking for new ways to cook with salty, smoky bacon? Try pairing it with Pepper Jack cheese and fresh avocado for a winning omelet, or create a Spicy Black Bean & Bacon Soup from scratch.

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