Creamy, savory and loaded with L&S bacon, this is an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly. The trick is all in the timing, have everything ready before that pasta is done!

Serves 4–6

Bacon Bits

Ingredients

• 1 (½ lb) package L&S Bacon Bits 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 lb spaghetti or fettuccine
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Start the pasta water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Timing is important with this recipe, so get everything else ready while the water heats.
2. Cook the bacon. Add the olive oil and L&S Bacon Bits to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is browned and crispy.
3. Add the garlic. When the bacon is almost finished, add the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove from the heat.
4. Prepare the egg mixture. While the water heats and the bacon cooks, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan until well combined.
5. Cook the pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need it later. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
6. Make the sauce. Immediately return the hot pasta to the pot off the heat. Add the egg and Parmesan mixture and toss quickly and thoroughly. The heat from the pasta gently cooks the eggs and creates the creamy sauce without scrambling them.
7. Add the bacon. Pour in the bacon, garlic and the flavorful oil from the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
8. Adjust the consistency. If the carbonara seems a little dry, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again. Repeat only if needed until it’s creamy.
9. Finish and serve. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

L&S Tip: Once you add the egg mixture, keep the pasta off direct heat and keep it moving! That’s the secret to creamy carbonara instead of scrambled eggs.