10 Minute Spaghetti Carbonara

Although I’m a good cook (and a modest one, eh?) I’m pretty lazy when it comes to the kitchen. Unless I’ve got a slow Saturday afternoon of culinary processes planned, speed is of the essence. When it comes to cooking I like to get in, get out and get fed: quick food, without compromising on taste.

Which is why I think it’s important to spend money on quality tools in the kitchen that make speedy cooking achievable. A KitchenAid, Global Knives… you name them, I use (and love) them.10 minute Spaghetti Carbonara - Microplane 10 minute Spaghetti Carbonara - Microplane

Microplane is one such kitchen genius brand that makes my life that much easier.

I was given my first Microplane grater as a Christmas present by my dad, the only chef I know who’s almost as good as me, and I was a bit disappointed at first. Hello Dad, it’s Christmas, where’s my Jo Malone loot?!

He had the last laugh though, and promised me I’d be thrilled as soon as I got over myself and had a go with my new tool, and he was right: my Microplane soon became a kitchen staple.

Made in the USA, Microplane blades are photo-etched and ultra-effective (i.e. watch those fingers!). The sharpest tools around, they grate with absolutely no effort and optimal results, with the brand having 50 years’ experience in photo-etching technology.

I use mine in various recipes almost every day, so I was thrilled when Microplane sent me an few more from their range to have a go with (scroll down to win them yourself!).

10 minute Spaghetti Carbonara - Microplane 10 minute Spaghetti Carbonara - Microplane

As a garlic lover I generally eat at least one clove a day in one form or another, and using a Microplane saves so much hassle (and stinking fingers): I used to chop my garlic which was always a nightmare, leaving big chunks of it in my food where I got bored of chopping.

They’re also brilliant for cheese grating and take up zero dishwashing room – the massive A graters being so cumbersome and ineffective – as well as for citrus fruits and shaved chocolate.

10 minute Spaghetti Carbonara - MicroplaneMicroplane (available at John Lewis or Steamer) asked me to use their range of graters to create one of my favourite family recipes so I chose the quickest that I whip up on a regular basis for me and the kiddos: the 10 Minute Spaghetti Carbonara.

This really is the speediest family meal, taking just as long as it takes to fry up some bacon. I save even more time using my Microplane for the cheese and garlic, and speed up the process even further by buying fresh over dried pasta.

There’s no cream in this recipe as that isn’t an ingredient of the authentic Italian recipe, but the egg, parmesan and starchy cooking water combine to create the creamiest of sauces.

10 Minute Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients (per person – scale up depending on how many you’re cooking for )

Small handfull of spaghetti – we use fresh because it quicks so easily
25g finely grated parmesan cheese
3 rashers smoked bacon
1 egg
Salt and pepper

Instructions
  1. Fill a pan with boiled salted water and cook your spaghetti as per packet instructions.
  2. Chop your bacon into small pieces and cook with a little olive oil in a large frying pan – I like to use my Garlic Oil for this.
  3. Beat your eggs and season in a separate bowl or mug.
  4. As soon as your pasta is cooked strain it, reserving a little bit of the cooking water.
  5. Turn the heat off the bacon and add the pasta to the frying pan.
  6. Add the egg and parmesan to the pan and mix together well. Add a tablespoon or so of the cooking water to the pan to create a bit of a sauce and serve.

You can enter to win a Microplane bundle to make your dinners speedier, too! Just follow the options below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Microplane, a brand I know and love, for working with More Than Toast :) 

Terms and Conditions: Entries received after the time of competition close will not be counted. UK residents only. Winner will be selected at random after the closing date and will be notified within 3 days of competition end. Only entrants received via the Rafflecopter widget will be considered valid. No cash alternative is offered to the prize: a Microplane bundle. Microplane International is responsible for the provision of the prize.

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163 Comments

  1. Mel wrote:

    As soon you mentioned watching your fingers I was intrigued and scared haha! I can cut my digits open on even the bluntest of graters

    Mel ?
    meleaglestone.co.uk
    @meleaglestone

    Posted 11.1.17 Reply
  2. George Pow wrote:

    Looks a lot Easier as The Good Old Grater, I’m In For A Win!!

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  3. kim plant wrote:

    beef stews are coming out again now :) x

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  4. Carly Williams wrote:

    My favorite Autumn recipe is pot roast!

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  5. Hayley F wrote:

    Pumpkin soup x

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  6. Nathalie wrote:

    These loook great- anything to make chopping garlic easier! My favourite autumn recipe is chilli con carne! X

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  7. laura banks wrote:

    chicken chorizo and bean stew

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  8. Lucy wrote:

    I love goulash especially in the slow cooker, easy as anything!

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  9. Susan Talbot wrote:

    Leek and Pasta bake, and yes I use my microplane for the grated cheddar on the top, it’s brilliant.

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  10. Liz Burton wrote:

    Moroccan lamb tagine with cauliflower lime and coriander cous cous :)

    Posted 11.2.17 Reply
  11. Katy Wheatley wrote:

    I love Microplanes. Seriously the best kitchen tools as you say. I also use mine every day. Also brilliant that they can be popped in the dishwasher. My favourite Autumn/Winter dish has got to be Anjum Anand’s Indian take on Shepherd’s pie. It’s amazing and the microplane is brilliant for all the grating.

    Posted 11.3.17 Reply
  12. Andrea Upton wrote:

    My favourite autumn recipe is butternut squash soup

    Posted 11.3.17 Reply
  13. Rachael C wrote:

    My favourite recipe is one my MiL invented for bonfire night! Rocket pie. Fried onions, sausages and baked beans mixed with curry powder and baked in the oven! Really random but yummy, especially with some crusty bread!

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  14. Amy J wrote:

    I love carrot and coriander soup – warms you up!

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  15. Fiona wrote:

    My favourite dish is goulash, especially if the paprika is smoked!

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  16. glenn hutton wrote:

    I love a scrag end of lamb stew with dumplings :)

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  17. Ritchie Dee wrote:

    Roasted butternut squash soup

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  18. tracey ryder ryder wrote:

    broth and dumplings

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  19. alison fisher wrote:

    tatty hash…pure scottish recipe which is served with pickled red cabbage brown sauce and big chunk of crusty white bread…ah heaven!

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  20. Amy Wright wrote:

    Butternut squash soup

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  21. David Nicolson wrote:

    Beef or chicken stews always warm my heart

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  22. Rena Plumridge wrote:

    Chicken stew is my favourite

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  23. amy bondoc wrote:

    i love shepards pie and beef stew

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  24. Frances H wrote:

    Pumpkin Pie.

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  25. Tracey Peach wrote:

    My Mum’s apple pie it;s so comforting & warming at this time of year

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  26. Carole E wrote:

    Cheese and potato pie

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  27. Heather Haigh wrote:

    Bangers and mash and Yorkshire parkin.

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  28. cheryl hadfield wrote:

    beef casserole with dumplings

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  29. sarah birkett wrote:

    bangers and mash, and lots of gravy. I often add something fun into the mash like peas, or carrots

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  30. Sidrah Ahmed wrote:

    I make cheese and tomato pasta bake

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  31. Paul Wilson wrote:

    Three-Mustard Sausage Casserole.

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  32. Tom D wrote:

    I’d have to say something warm and cosy like a smooth pumpkin and chilli soup.

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  33. Solange wrote:

    If you love red wine as much as shepherd’s pie, I’d recommend trying out the traditional Irish shepherd pie recipe. The wine gives the pie a nice bold flavor, perfect for autumn.

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  34. Caroline H wrote:

    A spicy tagine with lots of sweet potato and apricots plus lots of fresh ginger (which needs a good microplane if you want to keep your fingers!).

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  35. tamsin wrote:

    i love pumpkin soup!

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  36. Bob Clark wrote:

    lancashire hot pot

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  37. Sarah Mackay wrote:

    I love pumpkin soup

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  38. Emma Nixon wrote:

    Beef stew and dumplings

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  39. Kerry Kilmister wrote:

    I love Fife Miner’s stew

    Posted 11.4.17 Reply
  40. Zoe C wrote:

    Beef lobby

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  41. Sanam Ali wrote:

    Chicken and mushroom pie

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  42. June Lord wrote:

    Parsnip cake

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  43. Ren Taylor wrote:

    Nigel slaters chicken and leek pie x

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  44. Rose Stephenson wrote:

    Baked apples with a Dorset Cereals chocolate cherry granola filling and caramel sauce.

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  45. Valerie Seal wrote:

    my favourite autumn recipe is moussaka

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  46. Barbara Knight wrote:

    Butternut squash risotto with sage, delicious and warming.

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  47. maureen findley wrote:

    spicy parsnip soup

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  48. Ray Becker wrote:

    Irish stew & dumplings with a pince of chilli

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  49. Jade Hewlett wrote:

    Chicken pie

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  50. Lisa Parker wrote:

    Chorizo sausage and bean stew x

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  51. leanne weir wrote:

    I love goulash

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  52. Sarah Rees wrote:

    Welsh cawl

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  53. Liz S wrote:

    Baked apples with cinnamon and brown sugar.

    Posted 11.5.17 Reply
  54. Phil Darling wrote:

    Beef stew with herby dumplings does it for me

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  55. Jackie Howell wrote:

    lamb tagine

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  56. Emma chapman wrote:

    Red wine stew with beef

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  57. helen tovell wrote:

    Sausage and chorizo goulash

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  58. Helen Adams wrote:

    Stew & dumplings

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  59. Gillian McClelland wrote:

    Homemade Chilli Con Carne always nice winter meal

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  60. Lori Darling wrote:

    Chicken and mushroom risotto with loads of parmesan cheese

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  61. Emma H wrote:

    My favourite Autumn recipe is spiced pumpkin cake.

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  62. Natalie Crossan wrote:

    I like butternut squash soup :D xxx

    Posted 11.6.17 Reply
  63. EMMA WALTERS wrote:

    staffordshire lobby is perfect bonfire night food with plenty of crusty bread :)

    Posted 11.7.17 Reply
  64. Sophie wrote:

    Favourite autumn recipe has to be steak and chorizo chilli, a Lisa Faulkner recipe I’ve been using for years, A Microplane set would definitely make all the grated garlic the recipe requires that much easier… : )

    Posted 11.7.17 Reply
  65. Fozia Akhtar wrote:

    Roasted red pepper soup

    Posted 11.7.17 Reply
  66. Judith MacInnes wrote:

    Beef keema! I know it should be lamb, but it’s so hard to get lean lamb mince, so I make it with beef, and add butternut squash & lots of lovely warming spices. Perfect for a cold night!

    Posted 11.7.17 Reply
  67. ashleigh allan wrote:

    sausage casserole!

    Posted 11.7.17 Reply
  68. Lauren Lawrence wrote:

    Chicken and bacon risotto

    Posted 11.8.17 Reply
  69. Kerry Taylor wrote:

    This time of year is when my slow cooker starts to earn its place in the kitchen. Turkey meatballs are a favourite!

    Posted 11.8.17 Reply
  70. Emma Potter wrote:

    I love cheese and potato pie

    Posted 11.8.17 Reply
  71. STUART HARGREAVES wrote:

    homemade onion soup with carrots, garlic black pepper fresh ginger pasta and of course onions

    Posted 11.9.17 Reply
  72. Susan Hoggett wrote:

    i like making risotto with butternut squash, sage and mushrooms

    Posted 11.9.17 Reply
  73. Sophie wrote:

    It’s got to be shepherds pie. Yum.

    Posted 11.9.17 Reply
  74. Hassni wrote:

    Comfort food – mixed vegetable soup with homemade sourdough bread.

    Posted 11.9.17 Reply
  75. Julie Thomas wrote:

    Cottage pie, always hot and filling and welcomed by our family, fabulous

    Posted 11.10.17 Reply
  76. Beky Austerberry wrote:

    As a family we love Beef stew and dumplings – so filling, warm and packed full of veg.

    Posted 11.12.17 Reply
  77. catherine wrote:

    Campfire Stew or a good root vegetable soup!

    Posted 11.12.17 Reply
  78. Julie H wrote:

    Sausage, cheesy mash and gravy is my go to autumn comfort food.

    Posted 11.12.17 Reply
  79. Alison wrote:

    Home made soup is my favourite thing of all in the Autumn, nothing nicer after a long walk.

    Posted 11.13.17 Reply
  80. Suzanne Jackson wrote:

    Chilli con carne

    Posted 11.14.17 Reply
  81. Lorraine Stone wrote:

    Butternut squash soup

    Posted 11.16.17 Reply
  82. catherine L wrote:

    I love homemade soups or anything with roasted veggies, yum

    Posted 11.17.17 Reply
  83. Iris W wrote:

    Spiced pumpkin soup or any warming soup really

    Posted 11.17.17 Reply
  84. misty wrote:

    sweet potato and spinach lasagna

    Posted 11.18.17 Reply
  85. Sharon Arnott wrote:

    Chicken and lentil casserole with gremolata served with crusty bread

    Posted 11.18.17 Reply
  86. Sarah Pearce wrote:

    bangers and mash x

    Posted 11.18.17 Reply
  87. Eve Ogden wrote:

    Sausage casserole

    Posted 11.19.17 Reply
  88. Scouse and beetroot, then later hot chocolate

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  89. Maxine G wrote:

    I love making pasta with roasted butternut squash, sage and gorgonzola – delicious!

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  90. ADEINNE TONNER wrote:

    For me it has to be spicy parsnip soup.

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  91. hayley pemberton wrote:

    paprika chicken

    Posted 11.20.17 Reply
  92. ValB wrote:

    Slow roasted lamb shoulder with autumn veggies

    Posted 11.21.17 Reply
  93. April wrote:

    I love Hungarian mushroom soup served with sourdough bread and lots of butter!

    What a fun giveaway! Thank you! :)

    Posted 11.21.17 Reply
  94. Carole Nott wrote:

    i always enjoy chicken casserole

    Posted 11.22.17 Reply
  95. Jayne Kelsall wrote:

    I love my homemade Lasagne :)

    Posted 11.22.17 Reply
  96. Laura Warwick wrote:

    spicy tomato soup

    Posted 11.22.17 Reply
  97. Ann-Marie Gould wrote:

    my favourite Autumn recipe is slow roasted beef with noodles and sundried tomatoes,, yummy!

    Posted 11.24.17 Reply
  98. I absolutely love apple and blackberry crumble in Autumn and have been known to have a bowl of it for breakfast too! :)

    Posted 11.25.17 Reply
  99. Emma Ellams wrote:

    Slow cooked lamb tagine!

    Posted 11.26.17 Reply
  100. Kristy L Brown wrote:

    Beef stew

    Posted 11.26.17 Reply
  101. craig austin wrote:

    stews or anything with gravy

    Posted 11.26.17 Reply
  102. Debbie W wrote:

    Am I allowed to say Blackberry and Apple Crumble?!
    Savoury dish would be chicken or beef stew with dumplings but given the choice of that or the apple crumple for dinner- I’d have the crumble…

    Posted 11.26.17 Reply
  103. katie w wrote:

    has to be beef stew

    Posted 11.26.17 Reply
  104. Jason Tolliss wrote:

    Oxtail stew with loads of seasonal vegetables

    Posted 11.27.17 Reply
  105. Sarah Lee wrote:

    Beef stew with dumplings

    Posted 11.27.17 Reply
  106. Love beef stew and dumplings

    Posted 11.27.17 Reply
  107. steph lovatt wrote:

    A nice stew

    Posted 11.27.17 Reply
  108. Tanya Vincent wrote:

    A lovely warming stew followed by an apple crumble with custard.

    Posted 11.27.17 Reply
  109. ellie spider wrote:

    potato and leek soup

    Posted 11.27.17 Reply
  110. Rich Tyler wrote:

    Beef Stew

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  111. jamie millard wrote:

    steak and ale casserole

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  112. Kirsty N wrote:

    I love Roast Butternut Squash risotto in the autumn months

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  113. Maria Jane Knight wrote:

    Butternut squash and red pepper soup….everytime!

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  114. Samantha Mann wrote:

    Red wine Stew

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  115. Sarah Parker wrote:

    lasagne :)

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  116. Sarah Wilson wrote:

    Has to be a beef stew.

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  117. Jenny Rogers wrote:

    Beef stew, simmering all day in the slow cooker.

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  118. Emily Hutchinson wrote:

    A hearty and warming sausage casserole

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  119. Dale Dow wrote:

    I love making traditional mince pies with a layer of custard inside in Autumn

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  120. Diana wrote:

    slow cooked beef curry :)

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  121. Emma Smith wrote:

    Butternut, sage & goat cheese risotto

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  122. francis lee wrote:

    I love leek and potato soup

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  123. Helen wrote:

    Home made soup!

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  124. Rachael Marsden wrote:

    I love beef stew and dumplings, amazing winter food

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  125. sharon martin wrote:

    chicken stew and dumplings

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  126. Hannah Smith wrote:

    I think this carbonara might be about to become my favourite recipe for all year round :)

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  127. Alison wrote:

    A beef bologognese, can’t beat it for a hearty warming meal

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  128. Gemma Aktekin wrote:

    Lentil soup, with a dab of fresh lemon squeezed into it.

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  129. Emma Davison wrote:

    Stew and dumplings

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  130. michelle thompson wrote:

    braising steak and mash

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  131. Patricia Avery wrote:

    Pork and apple cobbler using autumn windfalls and cooked in the slow cooker :)

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  132. Katie wrote:

    Apple and plum crumble

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  133. Elzbieta Znyk wrote:

    Beef stew.

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  134. Emma Rawlinson wrote:

    My mum’s chicken casserole recipe is great for this time of year

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  135. Beef stew and dumplings

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  136. Ellen Stafford wrote:

    I love a beef stew with root veg!

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  137. Em S wrote:

    Spicy roasted butternut squash and sausages

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  138. chirag patel wrote:

    Chicken Curry

    Posted 11.28.17 Reply
  139. Mark Johnson wrote:

    apple crumble

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  140. Nia Roberts wrote:

    Blackberry and apple crumble

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  141. Caroline Blaza wrote:

    Chicken Casserole

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  142. Tammy Neal wrote:

    Chicken stew with dumplings xx

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  143. Katrina Adams wrote:

    Apple and Rhubarb crumble is my absolute favourite autumn recipe

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  144. Rebecca Atkins wrote:

    Home made lamb hot pot

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  145. Rebecca Atkins wrote:

    Spaghetti bolognese

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  146. Claire Melvin wrote:

    Something warm and comforting like a rich beef casserole

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  147. Richard Eldred Hawes wrote:

    I like to make a nice warming chicken soup

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  148. Jodie A Green wrote:

    beef stew with dumplings

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  149. Tess D wrote:

    love Cottage Pie

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  150. Juli Savage wrote:

    Tomato Soup ….. with slabs of thick crusty bread

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  151. caroline tokes wrote:

    Has to be beef stew and dumplings

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  152. Lauren Fox wrote:

    Cottage Pie! Love it on a Sunday instead of a Roast dinner :)
    Thanks
    xx

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  153. Rachael O'Brien wrote:

    I’m just slightly everso addicted to mac’n’cheese !!

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  154. Lia Burns wrote:

    For me it’s got to be a good home made shepherds pie. So warm and hearty x

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  155. Debbie Preston wrote:

    Shepherds pie

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  156. Kim Neville wrote:

    we like Goulash

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  157. claire little wrote:

    lentil soup

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  158. pauline black wrote:

    it has to be beef stew and dumplings! Hearty food!

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  159. Anouska D wrote:

    Cottage Pie!

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  160. Tracey Anderson wrote:

    Homemade vegetable curry :) x

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  161. Maria P wrote:

    butternut soup with a hint of chili

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  162. Gemma Holland wrote:

    Butternut squash and bacon soup with buttered sourdough bread

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply
  163. Kate Davies wrote:

    Lamb casserole is always a winner with my family, clean plates all round.

    Posted 11.29.17 Reply