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Creamy Bacon and Pea Carbonara

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

Creamy Bacon and Pea Carbonara brings together spaghetti, crispy bacon, and tender peas in a luscious Parmesan sauce. The combination of hot pasta with eggs and cheese creates a velvety coating that binds every strand, while the bacon adds a savory crunch and the peas deliver a hint of sweetness. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights. For veggie lovers, simply swap the bacon for mushrooms. Grate in extra cheese for richer texture, and always toss the egg mixture swiftly with the hot pasta to ensure a silky finish.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:14:18 GMT
Ein weißer Teller mit Pasta, Peas, Bacon und Parmesan. Pin
Ein weißer Teller mit Pasta, Peas, Bacon und Parmesan. | rezepte.kitchenscroll.com

Creamy Bacon and Pea Carbonara is a comforting pasta dish that you can whip up in under half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy and flavorful. It has become a repeat favorite in my kitchen thanks to its simple ingredients and the way the creamy sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti.

The first time I tried this recipe it was late on a chilly evening and it instantly became my go to meal when I need something both quick and deeply satisfying. Even picky eaters never leave a bite behind.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti: you want a pasta that holds sauce well Italian brands have that perfect bite
  • Bacon: choose meaty bacon for best texture and a smoky depth pre diced saves you time
  • Frozen peas: add bright color and sweetness go for petite peas for tender results
  • Eggs: provide that signature creamy carbonara base go for fresh large eggs with deep colored yolks
  • Parmesan cheese: brings saltiness and nutty richness buy a wedge and grate it fresh if possible
  • Garlic: amplifies flavor use plump fresh cloves for best aroma
  • Olive oil: helps crisp bacon and rounds out the sauce quality extra virgin is best
  • Salt and pepper: finishes the dish taste as you go for balanced seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until just al dente drain well but make sure not to overcook you want the noodles to stay firm to hold the sauce
Make the Bacon and Pea Mixture:
In a wide skillet heat olive oil over medium add diced bacon cook until golden and crispy stirring occasionally for even browning
Build the Flavor Base:
Sprinkle in minced garlic sauté for about a minute until fragrant then pour in frozen peas stir and let them cook for two to three minutes until warmed through
Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk eggs with grated Parmesan in a bowl until creamy and smooth this will help you pour and mix quickly later
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained spaghetti into your skillet with bacon and peas remove from heat immediately then pour the egg and cheese mixture on top using tongs toss fast so the sauce becomes glossy and thick from the heat of the pasta avoid scrambling the eggs
Season and Serve:
Finish with generous salt and cracked pepper taste and adjust before serving then plate immediately while still hot
Eine Schüssel mit Pasta, Peas und Bacon. Pin
Eine Schüssel mit Pasta, Peas und Bacon. | mellierecipes.com

Parmesan is my favorite part of this dish because it brings everything together with just the right amount of saltiness and creamy melt. That rich cheesy aroma always reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners with my family and laughter around the big table.

Storage Tips

Leftover carbonara should be refrigerated in an airtight container as soon as it cools. When reheating add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently over low heat. Pasta with eggs is best not kept longer than two days.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian spin swap bacon for diced mushrooms or roasted zucchini. No Parmesan Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or try a high quality hard cheese. Whole wheat or gluten free spaghetti work well if you need dietary adjustments.

Eine Schüssel mit Pasta und Peas. Pin
Eine Schüssel mit Pasta und Peas. | mellierecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Top your pasta with extra cheese and a good grind of black pepper for a true trattoria touch. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal. Garlic bread on the side always gets rave reviews at my table.

A Little Culinary Context

Classic carbonara comes from Rome where the trinity of eggs bacon and cheese cooks together in the pan with pasta hot enough to turn the mix into a silky sauce. Early Italian recipes used guanciale but bacon is an easy swap with its familiar flavor. The addition of peas is a touch I picked up from a friend in Sicily she swears by their sweetness in a creamy pasta.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I prevent scrambled eggs in the sauce?

Ensure you remove the pan from heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture. Toss quickly so the residual heat creates a smooth sauce without scrambling.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and sauté mushrooms instead for a hearty alternative while keeping the creamy character.

→ Which type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is classic for carbonara, but linguine or fettuccine also work well to hold the sauce.

→ Is it possible to use fresh peas?

Absolutely! Fresh peas offer a slightly sweeter and firmer texture. Blanch them briefly before adding to the skillet.

→ How can I increase creaminess?

Add a bit more Parmesan or stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to enhance the creaminess and help the sauce coat the noodles.

Creamy Bacon and Pea Carbonara

Pasta with bacon, peas, and creamy Parmesan sauce — perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
25 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Italian

Result Amount: 2 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main Ingredients

01 200 g spaghetti
02 100 g bacon, diced
03 1 cup (approximately 120 g) frozen peas

→ Sauce and Seasoning

04 2 large eggs
05 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
08 Salt, to taste
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Prepare

Step 01

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water and drain well.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and sauté until deeply golden and crispy.

Step 03

Stir in minced garlic and frozen peas, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the peas are bright and tender.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.

Step 05

Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with bacon and peas, ensuring the skillet is removed from direct heat.

Step 06

Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing thoroughly to coat and create a glossy sauce. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 07

Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Extra Tips

  1. For a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with mushrooms sautéed until golden.
  2. Toss the egg mixture rapidly with the hot pasta off the heat to prevent scrambling.
  3. Increase Parmesan for a richer, creamier texture as preferred.

Tools Required

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan), and gluten (spaghetti).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 450
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams