Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara

This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara is a quick and creamy pasta dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients like crispy bacon, eggs, and Parmesan, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. I threw it together after work one evening and was amazed by how something so easy could taste so luxurious. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 150 g dried spaghetti
• 2 rashers higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 2 free-range eggs
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, plus extra for grating

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions. This gives you the perfect base for the creamy carbonara sauce.
2. Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, slice the bacon and fry it in a non-stick pan with olive oil and a pinch of black pepper. Let it cook over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. Then turn off the heat.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated Parmesan. This is your silky sauce base.
4. Combine Everything: Using tongs, lift the cooked spaghetti straight into the pan with the bacon. Toss it around so it gets coated in all that flavorful bacon oil. Then pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring constantly. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs and create a luscious, creamy sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate up immediately and finish with an extra grating of Parmesan for good measure.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s fast, rich, and requires almost nothing from the fridge—just what you want after a busy day. I love that the creamy sauce comes together without any cream, and the crispy bacon adds just the right amount of saltiness and crunch. This one’s always a winner at our house.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overheat the pan when adding the egg mixture—it will scramble
• Save some pasta water to help make the sauce silky
• Cook the bacon until super crispy for the best texture
• Freshly grate your Parmesan—it melts better and tastes stronger
• Serve immediately; carbonara doesn’t like to sit

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara

• Refrigerate: Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: Not recommended—the sauce may separate and the pasta will get mushy.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: 180°C (350°F), 10–15 minutes covered with foil
  • Microwave: Medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway
  • Stove: Low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water, stir until hot

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Why did my eggs scramble?
  Your pan was probably too hot—turn off the heat before adding the egg mixture and stir constantly.
• How can I fix a thick sauce?
  Add a little of the reserved pasta water and stir until smooth.
• Why is my carbonara dry?
  You may not have added enough pasta water or waited too long to serve. It’s best enjoyed immediately.
• How do I make the bacon extra crispy?
  Slice it thin and let it cook undisturbed in a hot pan until it’s golden and crunchy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 of 2 servings

• Calories: 454
• Total Fat: 17.4g
• Saturated Fat: 5.9g
• Sugars: 2.6g
• Salt: 0.8g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 55.7g
• Fibre: 2.2g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Mushroom Chicken
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Stew
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carrot Salad
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Pie