Name: 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 8 ounces bacon (or turkey bacon as a substitute); 10 ounces spaghetti or fusilli col buco (gluten-free or whole grain pasta can also be used); ⅓ cup reserved pasta water; ¼ teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1-1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed (adjust according to preference)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, soul-satisfying dish you can whip up in barely any time, let me introduce you to the marvel that is 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara. This cheerful twist on a classic Italian favorite features golden-crisp bacon, creamy cheese, and a shower of sweet peas—all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and ready faster than you can queue up your next favorite show. Creamy without cream, elegant yet homey, and absolutely loaded with flavor, it’s proof that a weeknight meal can be downright dreamy.

30-Minute Pasta Carbonara Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara comes together beautifully. Each component is simple, yet when combined, they create layers of flavor and a richness that’s completely irresistible.

Eggs: The secret to that signature silky sauce—be sure to whisk well for a smooth finish.
Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth and luxurious texture to the sauce. Freshly grated is a must for melting goodness.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Bacon (or Turkey Bacon): The classic choice for smoky, crispy bites throughout; feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter spin.
Spaghetti or Fusilli col Buco: The vessel for all that creamy goodness—choose gluten-free or whole grain if you like.
Reserved Pasta Water: A few spoonfuls work magic, helping bind the sauce and add a glossy finish.
Salt: Essential for flavor—season the water generously for the best-tasting pasta.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a little kick and classic carbonara character, so don’t be shy!
Frozen Peas: Quick-cooking and sweet, they bring a pop of color and freshness—plus some hidden veggies.

How to Make 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara

Step 1: Whisk the Carbonara Sauce

Start by whisking together the eggs, grated cheese, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until smooth and cohesive. This mixture is the cornerstone of your 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara, transforming simple ingredients into a velvety, savory sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, lay out the bacon slices and cook until both sides are irresistibly golden. If things get too smoky, just drop the heat a touch. Once crisp, remove the bacon, blot off any extra oil with paper towels, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Drain almost all the bacon grease from the pan, leaving enough to add those deeply savory notes to your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and toss in your pasta. Cook until just al dente—the pasta should have a slight bite for the perfect texture in 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara. Before draining, save about 1/3 cup of that starchy pasta water, which will be key to creating a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer your hot, drained pasta straight into the skillet with the bacon—the pan should be warm, but off the heat. Working quickly, pour in the egg and cheese mixture and stir or toss rapidly to coat the noodles. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating that creamy, glossy sauce carbonara is known for. If it looks a little thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve a velvety texture.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Time to bring it all together: stir in the salt, plenty of cracked black pepper, your crispy bacon bits, and those vibrant peas. Toss until everything is beautifully combined and cloaked in creamy sauce. Taste and tweak the seasoning as needed—it should be savory with a hint of sweet freshness from the peas.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Twirl the finished pasta onto plates and shower with extra Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish. Serve your 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is sauce is glossy and fresh.

How to Serve 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara

Garnishes

To really make your bowl of 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara sing, finish with another dusting of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, a little extra black pepper, and maybe even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. For a restaurant-style effect, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

This quick and hearty pasta is practically a meal on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or a basket of warm, crusty bread for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce. Steamed or roasted asparagus pairs beautifully, too, enhancing the springy vibe peas bring to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate your 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara family-style in a big serving bowl for everyone to help themselves, or twirl generous mounds onto individual plates for a bit of dinner party flair. For an unexpected touch, layer the pasta into small ramekins, top with a sprinkle of extra cheese and broil briefly for a golden finish—almost like a carbonara gratin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it chills, but the flavor only deepens and the peas retain their color.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara in a tightly sealed freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture may change slightly, but it’s still delicious and convenient for those future busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water over low heat, stirring gently until creamy and warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, with a little liquid added—just go slow to avoid scrambling the eggs.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Pecorino or Parmesan?

Absolutely! Grana Padano or even a sharp aged cheddar can work in a pinch. The key is to use a hard, well-flavored cheese that melts smoothly to keep that signature sauce in your 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in carbonara?

Yes—the eggs gently cook from the heat of the just-drained pasta and pan, creating that creamy sauce you love. Just be sure to use fresh eggs and combine quickly while the pasta is steamy for safety and the ideal texture.

Can I make 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or smoked sun-dried tomatoes. You’ll still get ample flavor and hearty bites, and the dish remains rich and satisfying.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Classic spaghetti is always a winner for 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara, but fusilli col buco is delightfully springy and fun, and both hold the sauce beautifully. Even penne or rigatoni work if that’s what you have on hand—carbonara loves them all!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While peas are a favorite, try tossing in sautéed spinach, asparagus tips, or even a handful of halved cherry tomatoes just before serving. The dish is forgiving and perfect for sneaking in extra veggies.

Final Thoughts

Truly, there’s something magical about turning basic pantry staples into something as memorable as 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara. I hope you give this recipe a spot on your dinner table soon—it’s comfort food at its finest, ready whenever you need a little extra joy in the middle of a busy week!

30-Minute Pasta Carbonara Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and creamy 30-Minute Pasta Carbonara that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This classic Italian dish features a silky sauce made with eggs, cheese, and bacon, tossed with pasta and peas for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Carbonara:

2 large eggs
½ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pasta:

8 ounces bacon (or turkey bacon as a substitute)
10 ounces spaghetti or fusilli col buco (gluten-free or whole grain pasta can also be used)
⅓ cup reserved pasta water
¼ teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed (adjust according to preference)

Instructions

Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until both sides are golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke, reduce the heat. Once the bacon is crispy, remove from the pan, blot with paper towels to remove excess grease, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you used regular bacon, drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1-3 teaspoons in the pan. Set the pan aside off the heat.
Cook the Pasta: While the bacon cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, then cook the pasta until al dente. Once the pasta is done, reserve ⅓ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon (the pan should still be warm, but not on direct heat). Slowly add the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta, stirring quickly with tongs to coat the pasta evenly. The heat from the pasta will help cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce without curdling. If the sauce needs to be creamier, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
Add Final Touches: Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper, chopped bacon, and thawed peas. Mix well, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian