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Easy One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe for Lazy Cooks Made Perfect

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A creamy, satisfying, and effortless one-pot spaghetti carbonara recipe that simplifies the classic Italian dish without sacrificing flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) dried spaghetti
  • 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, for seasoning pasta water and finishing dish
  • About 4 cups (950 ml) water or low-sodium broth
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: splash of heavy cream for creamier sauce

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove half the rendered fat if excessive, leaving enough to flavor the pasta.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti broken in half and about 4 cups (950 ml) water or broth to the skillet. Add a pinch of salt. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
  5. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add splash of water if pasta looks too dry before fully cooked.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg and Parmesan mixture. Stir vigorously to create a smooth, silky sauce without scrambling the eggs.
  7. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and adjust salt if needed. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or broth to loosen.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add eggs off the heat to prevent scrambling. Constant stirring after adding eggs creates creamy texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Break spaghetti in half for easier stirring. Use moderate heat to avoid sauce splitting. For gluten-free, swap spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Optional heavy cream can be added for creamier sauce but is not traditional.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, spaghetti carbonara, easy carbonara, lazy cook recipe, quick pasta, creamy pasta, pancetta, bacon, weeknight dinner

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