Easy creamy egg and cheese pasta is the kind of dinner you make when you want something rich without complicated steps. The sauce forms naturally from eggs, cheese, and hot pasta, creating a silky texture without any cream. Crispy bacon adds a salty, savory bite that makes the dish deeply satisfying.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- quick pantry pasta dinner
- creamy sauce without cream
- rich flavor with simple ingredients
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
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Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- no pancetta → regular smoked bacon works well
- no aged cheese → use Parmesan, Pecorino, or Grana Padano
- no spaghetti → linguine, fettuccine, or short pasta
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it generously with salt.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta cooks, place the diced bacon in a cold skillet and set it over medium heat.
- Cook slowly until the fat renders and the bacon becomes golden and crisp.
- Tip: Starting from a cold pan helps the bacon cook evenly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat once the bacon is crisp.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and extra yolk until smooth.
- Add the grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until thick and creamy.
- Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the skillet with the bacon.
- Toss the pasta so it coats lightly in the bacon fat.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta.
- Toss continuously and quickly so the sauce coats every strand.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
- Tip: The heat of the pasta gently cooks the eggs and creates the creamy sauce.
- Continue tossing until the sauce looks glossy and silky.
- Taste and add extra black pepper if desired.
- Tip: Usually no extra salt is needed because the bacon and cheese are already salty.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Tips
- Use finely grated cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Always add the eggs off the heat to prevent scrambling.
FAQ
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes. Mushrooms sautéed in olive oil make a great alternative.
Can I reheat leftovers?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can gently reheat it with a splash of water.
Make it a Meal
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
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