Description
A quick, rich, and zesty carbonara that balances creamy richness with bright lemon acidity. This simplified version uses eggs, pecorino, and a splash of cream for a silky sauce ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon (applewood-smoked recommended)
- Large eggs (room temperature)
- Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- Spaghetti or bucatini
- Heavy cream
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Lemon (zested and juiced)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Lower heat to medium-low and sauté minced garlic in the bacon fat for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- While bacon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs vigorously. Add grated pecorino, lemon zest, and black pepper. Whisk until a thick paste forms.
- Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic and bacon fat. Toss to coat.
- Remove skillet from heat. Pour egg/cheese mixture over hot pasta. Add heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Toss quickly and continuously until a creamy emulsion forms.
- Squeeze lemon juice over pasta and toss. Return crispy bacon to the pan and toss to distribute.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra black pepper and cheese.
Notes
Ensure eggs are at room temperature to prevent scrambling. Always remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture to utilize residual heat for gentle cooking. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If too thin, continue tossing until it thickens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of pasta
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: carbonara, bacon pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, italian recipe, lemon pasta, easy weeknight meal