Mushroom Carbonara with Smoked Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich carbonara featuring earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon, bound by a silky egg-cheese sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, chopped smoked bacon, sliced cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt). Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Cook 4 chopped smoked bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and golden.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with mushrooms. Remove skillet from heat and immediately pour egg mixture over pasta, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats strands and thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 2 tbsp chopped cooked bacon. Season with salt if needed and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mushroom Carbonara with Smoked Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mushroom Carbonara with Smoked Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mushroom Carbonara with Smoked Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mushroom Carbonara with Smoked Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mushroom Carbonara with Smoked Bacon?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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