This traditional spaghetti carbonara features crispy bacon bits and tender spaghetti noodles in a rich and creamy Parmesan egg sauce. Ready in minutes and goes well with any meal!

Ready to fall in love with a bowl of pasta? You haven’t lived until you’ve tried your hand at spaghetti carbonara at home!
We’re keeping it so simple today with this easy bacon version that uses simple everyday ingredients and will only take 30 minutes to pull together.
And y’all, it’s a bowl full of pasta MAGIC! You’ve got the classic creamy egg sauce with rich Parmesan, crispy bacon, and lots of fresh parsley coating every inch of tender spaghetti noodles.

Yeah, you won’t be able to resist diving face-first into this one!
This Spaghetti Carbonara features…
- Tender spaghetti noodles in a rich and creamy Parmesan egg sauce
- Crispy bacon bits and lots of fresh parsley
- Ready in 30 minutes with only 6 ingredients

Making the Spaghetti Carbonara
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Bacon
- Garlic
- Spaghetti
- Parsley
Choosing Your Pasta
Traditionally, spaghetti carbonara is made with spaghetti noodles, but this recipe will work great with a variety of pasta shapes. You can also use…
- Bucatini
- Angel hair
- Penne
- Shells

Tips for Perfect Carbonara
- Cook spaghetti to al dente – the pasta will continue to cook later in the sauce so make sure not to overcook during the boiling step.
- Reserve pasta cooking water – the pasta water is one of the main ingredients in the sauce and helps make it creamy.
- Use freshly-grated Parmesan – freshly-grated cheese melts much better than pre-grated in the sauce for this carbonara.
- Beat eggs well before tossing with pasta – this will help the eggs form into a sauce once added to the pasta without any unwanted chunks.
- Serve carbonara immediately after assembly – carbonara unfortunately does not store well due to the egg sauce. We recommend serving immediately for best results.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this carbonara.
- Skip the meat – leave out the bacon or replace it with a vegetable for a meat-free carbonara.
- Add vegetables – try adding sauteed mushrooms, spinach, sweet pepper, or broccoli to carbonara.
- Swap cheeses – although Parmesan cheese is traditional in carbonara, this recipe will also work with asiago or cheddar.
What To Serve with Carbonara
This carbonara pairs well with a variety of dishes! We love it alongside stuffed chicken, a big green salad, garlic bread, or sautéed vegetables.
You can definitely serve this carbonara on its own as well! It makes a great simple dinner or lunch.

Trust me, this carbonara is going to quickly become the most-requested pasta dish in your house! The crispy bacon paired with the creamy Parmesan sauce and tender noodles is a thing of pure magic.
Just between you and me, you’ll definitely be eating this one straight from the pot.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

Watch this carbonara made step-by-step on Google web stories.
More easy pasta dishes to make next!
Bacon Spaghetti Carbonara
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bacon, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks, egg, and Parmesan until completely smooth. Set aside for a moment.
- In a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté 1 additional minute until fragrant. Drain grease from pan and discard.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until just barely al-dente. Reserve 1-1/2 cups pasta cooking water and drain pasta.
- Add pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to bacon mixture. Cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to cool 2 minutes.
- Whisk 1/4 cup pasta water into egg yolks until smooth. Fold egg sauce into hot pasta mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until a creamy sauce forms and coats pasta. (drizzle in additional pasta water if needed to loosen sauce)
- Stir parsley into carbonara and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve carbonara immediately while hot with additional Parmesan grated on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 1/5/24.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love spaghetti carbonara, Sarah! This looks amazing and totally breakfast-approved! Your pictures totally have me drooling, too. Any pasta that can be made in 20 minutes is a winner in my book!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Gayle! Glad we’re on the same breakfast-page. LOL. 🙂
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I am a CARB-O-MANIC! This spaghetti carbonara is so calling out to me. I actually wouldn’t mind having it for breakfast, says the non breakfast gal. I love the fact that it is ready in 20 minutes. Pinned!
Sarah says
Haha! I’m right there with ‘ya Jen! Who doesn’t love pasta for breakfast?! 😉 Thanks for pinning, lady!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
I used to LOVE spaghetti carbonara when we could eat eggs. I made it all the time, it’s total comfort food! Thanks for making me super jealous now. 😉 Just Kidding.
Sarah says
Haha thanks so much, Kelly!! xoxo
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
This looks absolutely delicious!! I actually lived off of carbonara pasta when I visited Rome a few years ago 🙂 I am sure my bf would go crazy for this! Hope you’re having a great week!
Sarah says
Oh, gosh. Spaghetti carbonara every day? Sounds like pure heaven to me. 😀 Thanks Ceara!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This looks absolutely incredible, Sarah! I would totally have this for breakfast and lunch if this were in front of me. Love that it’s ready in only 20 minutes too! Bring on the fat pants!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Kelly! xoxo
michelle says
Looks and sounds amazing! I think I will try it tonight and add some spinich and chicken…
Sarah says
That sounds great, Michelle! LMK how it turns out! 🙂
michelle says
Yum yum yum! Thank you for sharing, dinner was a hit!
Sarah says
Glad to hear it!! 🙂
Ashley says
I always feel so fancy when I make carbonara at home!! This looks wonderful! And 20-minutes?? Even better! 🙂
Sarah says
Nothing beats homemade carbonara right?! Thanks Ashley! 🙂
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
Ummmm yes there are so many good things in this!! Looks beyond words good!
Sarah says
Thanks, sweet lady!! xoxo
marcie says
I’ve made carbonara…count it…only ONE time! That’s terrible, too, because we loved it! I love that I’m only 20 minutes away from awesome pasta, and your photos are gorgeous! 🙂 Pinned.
Sarah says
You definitely need to hop back onboard the carbonara train, Marcie! Thanks for the photo love and for the pin, girl!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I am always looking for quick and easy weeknight meals and this carbonara is calling my name! Plus, I can never resist some delicious bacon!
Sarah says
Thanks Ashley! You just can’t go wrong with bacon!
Rachael | Spache the Spatula says
Spaghetti Carbonara is one of my favorite pastas, ever! It’s such an amazing classic!
Love that it makes you think “carb-o-mania,” haha! I will never not be able to think that now 😛
Sarah says
Haha! This pasta is pretty much just the best carb-o-mania EVER. 😀 Thanks Rachael!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Gotta love a meal that’s ready in only 20 minutes! Especially if there’s pasta and bacon involved. 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Christin!!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I am a massive carbonara fan .. it has to be one of my all time favourite comfort foods. This looks so cheesy and delicious Sarah. Wish I had a bowlful to indulge in now!
Sarah says
Can’t beat a good ‘ol carbonara right?! Thanks Thaila!
Danielle says
I have never made spaghetti carbonara before, but that needs to change! I’d have to break out my biggest pair of stretchy pants for this one though, it wouldn’t stand a chance near me. Pinned!
Sarah says
You definitely need to give this pasta a try, Danielle! I’m positive you’ll love it. 🙂 Thanks for the pin too!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
This is *gorgeous*!! I love spaghetti carbonara, but have not made it in forever! You’ve inspired me. This looks phenomenal. YUM.
Sarah says
Thank you so much Sarah! xoxoxo
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Sounds like a smart, quick, and totally delicious weeknight dinner idea 🙂
Sarah says
Agreed! Thanks Medha. 🙂