Bacon Carbonara with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Crisp Pecorino

This Bacon Carbonara with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Crisp Pecorino offers a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish. The savory bacon blends perfectly with the creamy carbonara sauce, while the roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. Topped with crisp pecorino cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:
For the Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bacon Carbonara:
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until tomatoes are blistered and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.

3. Prepare the Bacon Carbonara:
1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

4. Make the Carbonara Sauce:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

5. Combine Ingredients:
1. Return the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and bacon fat. Toss to coat.
2. Working quickly, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring continuously to form a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
3. Stir in the crispy bacon and roasted cherry tomatoes.

6. Serve:
1. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Carbonara with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Crisp Pecorino!