Quick & Creamy: The Easiest Weeknight Pasta Carbonara Recipe

A bowl of pasta carbonara with crumbled baco on top of the pasta dusted with parmesan cheese

Pantry Staples Create Quick Weeknight Dinner

Weeknights can feel like a mad dash to get dinner on the table, but I’ve found a lifesaver in pasta carbonara. It’s a dish that sounds fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up, especially with a bit of help from jarred sauces. If you’ve got 30 minutes and a handful of pantry staples, you’re set.

I love how this dish feels like comfort food without being overly heavy. The creamy, velvety sauce clings to the pasta, and the bits of crispy bacon (or pancetta if I’m feeling extra) add just the right amount of saltiness. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that uses one pan and one pot? Less cleanup always feels like a win.

The beauty of carbonara is its simplicity, but I’ve discovered a little shortcut to make it even easier—using a jar of Alfredo sauce. Before you gasp, let me assure you that it still tastes delicious, and the added creaminess is a nice bonus for busy nights when making the sauce from scratch isn’t an option.

Here’s the recipe I follow:

Weeknight Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (or 4 oz pancetta)
  • 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crushed red pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Lower the heat and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then stir in the jar of Alfredo sauce. Heat until warmed through.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Return the drained pasta to the pot it was cooked in. Gradually stir in the egg and cheese mixture to prevent scrambling. The residual heat from the pasta will create a silky sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Once combined, stir the pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Serve immediately, topping with the crispy bacon to keep its crunch, along with extra Parmesan cheese, parsley, and crushed red pepper if desired.

Every time I make this, my family practically licks their plates clean. It’s one of those meals that feels like a little hug on a hectic day. And the best part? It’s customizable. Sometimes I toss in peas for a pop of color or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.

So, the next time you’re staring at your pantry wondering what to make, try this pasta carbonara. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to create something truly satisfying.

Visit Compass Cuisine for more tasty recipes.

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