PASTA CARBONARA 
thin spaghetti, one serving
salted boiling water
3 strips bacon, cooked well done in microwave; crumble
1/2 clove elephant garlic
1 tbsp. good quality olive oil
1 egg
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
freshly ground black pepper

Here is a reduce calorie version of this classic.

Serves one.

Put water on to boil. Meanwhile, place 3 strips bacon on paper towels and microwave until crisp cooked. Set aside. Mince garlic. Place in large microwavable bowl. Add oil. Microwave garlic and oil mixture until translucent--about 3 minutes on 30% power. When water has come to a boil, add thin spaghetti. Crack egg into garlic mixture and add ample amount fresh ground black pepper (the 'carbonara'). Add 1-2 tablespoons freshly ground Parmesan (or Romano or Asiago or combination) cheese. Beat together with a fork.

As soon as pasta is cooked al denté, drain rapidly. DO NOT RINSE; DO NOT ALLOW TO COOL. Rapidly toss pasta with garlic mixture. The heat of the just-cooked pasta will cook the egg. Crumble bacon over the top.

Mangia!

Submitted by: Georgiana Ellis

Since microwave ovens vary in power, you may need to adjust your cooking time.

recipe reviews
Pasta Carbonara
 #49170
 Big Dave (Wisconsin) says:
Carbonara does not translate as "Black Pepper". Pepe nero is black pepper. Carbonara is the name of the sauce. Carbonara means "with a dressing made of eggs, small pieces of bacon and Parmesan cheese."
 #58136
 Bigger Mick (Nebraska) says:
Actually, "carbonara" refers to coal. Coal is, in fact, composed primarily of the element "carbon". Carbonara was a recipe style used by poor Italian coal miners, because it was both hearty and cheap. Notice how frugal the traditional recipe is, reserving all of the rendered bacon fat and using it in the sauce.
   #63359
 Cheryl Kay (New Jersey) says:
This is an easy, fast delicious dinner for one using simple ingredients that are always on hand. I just added a little salt. I will make this again! It is a perfect pick me up at the end of a long day.
 #76510
 Eden (North Carolina) says:
This is my favorite Spaghetti dish. My eggs always curdle. I see the eggs, cheese and oil mixed together will make a huge difference. I will try this receipe. Thanks for the history lessons below. This is a great dish!!!
 #76761
 Gilliemagoo (Pennsylvania) says:
I tried this and it was very easy, fast, and very similar to many pasta dishes I prepare. I HATE thin spaghetti (capellini or angel hair) because it has no substance and leaves just a tangled mess, UNLESS you reserve some of the salted cooking water to add to it. I served this with gnocchi, and it was excellent... and I never measure the grated cheese or pepper. My favorite carbonara is Alfredo ala Carbonara, which is a heart attack on a plate, but worth every bite!! Grazie molto!!
   #139585
 Mars (Iowa) says:
Not bad, The Mister and I found it pretty tasty. I did use two eggs and microwaved the garlic/oil for about a minute and a half.

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