Desperation Spaghetti Carbonara

All you really need for this easy pasta recipe is a couple of eggs, a pound of spaghetti, a couple cloves of garlic, unsalted butter, and that block of parm hidden in the back of the fridge. This is the most stripped-down version of carbonara you’ll ever see, the thing I turn to when there’s nothing left in the fridge and I’m desperate. I’ve never made carbonara with pancetta or bacon; I threw in some peas once and that was nice. A sprinkle of chopped flat-leaf parsley on top? Sounds good if you have it.

See more super simple pasta recipes, and more easy dinners to make from pantry staples. Or, if you want to get a little more elaborate, try this Korean-Italian Spicy Carbonara Tteokbokki.