When you’re craving comfort food, skillet pasta with bacon and eggs is a great go-to dish. Thin strands of spaghetti tangle with crumbled bacon and a cheesy cream sauce, and the result is nothing short of a kitchen triumph. Though the flavors are similar to those in spaghetti carbonara, the Italian version contains no cream, instead emulsifying the eggs and pasta water into a creamy sauce. For this version, we’ve made the method a little more foolproof by gently cooking the eggs and cream together until they thicken like a savory custard before adding it to the pasta. Though you likely won’t have leftovers, do note that this dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove.
Skillet Pasta with Bacon and Eggs Ingredients
- Spaghetti: The long, thin strands hold up well the velvety sauce. Feel free to use another type of thin pasta, like bucatini or fettucine.
- Eggs: Eggs add depth, richness and creaminess to this pasta.
- Half-and-half: For an even richer sauce, use heavy whipping cream (or a combination of cream and half-and-half).
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This pasta simply isn’t complete without Parmesan—though you could substitute another salty white grating cheese such as pecorino.
- Bacon strips: Smoky bacon is a natural flavor pairing for the creamy egg sauce. You could also use pancetta.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
In a 6-quart stockpot, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
Editor’s Tip: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta cooking water with which to adjust the texture of the sauce at the end of the cooking process.
Step 2: Make the cream sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk the eggs and cream until blended. Cook over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°F, stirring constantly (do not allow to simmer). Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
Step 3: Combine everything and serve
Drain the spaghetti and return to the stockpot. Add sauce and bacon; toss to combine. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Skillet Pasta with Bacon and Eggs Variations
- Add veggies: We love adding peas or wilted spinach to this pasta.
- Add an extra egg yolk: An extra egg yolk adds a lusciously rich flavor to skillet pasta with bacon and eggs.
How to Store Skillet Pasta with Bacon and Eggs
Make sure the pasta is completely cooled off, then store in airtight containers in the fridge.
How long will skillet pasta with bacon and eggs last?
When stored properly, this dish will last at least a couple of days. That said, it’s really best enjoyed fresh.
Skillet Pasta with Bacon and Eggs Tips
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you could make this dish vegan by using a plant-based bacon, thick dairy-free milk (like a barista blend oat milk), dairy-free Parmesan and a vegan binding agent like tofu in place of the eggs.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free spaghetti if you’d like to make a gluten-free version of this pasta.
What should I serve with skillet pasta with bacon and eggs?
Because skillet pasta with bacon and eggs is quite a hearty dish, it’s a good idea to serve it with a garden salad or a side of roasted vegetables, like broccolini.
