I've made this Spaghetti Carbonara the same way now for 35 years after initially changing it. Not an everyday meal as it is very very rich and intense. My pasta took 10 minutes to cook so overall allow 15 minutes to make the meal. If this recipe doesn't suit there is a healthier non meat version in the notes below. Serves 2

• 200 grams bacon pieces chopped in bits
• 4 cloves garlic quartered
• 200 gms of dried gluten free spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup of pasta water (water used to boil spaghetti)
• Ground black pepper

Method:

• 1. Put spaghetti on to boil in water with 1 tsp of salt
• 2. Put olive oil, bacon pieces in frying pan
• 3. When spaghetti is half cooked (5 mins) add garlic to frying pan
• 4. When spaghetti is cooked use tongs to remove it and place in frying pan
• 5. Add pasta water to make creamy sauce (add 1/3 cup of parmesan at thia stage if you want to)
• 6. Serve and add cheese and a grind of black pepper. (there is usually enough salt from the pasta water and cheese and bacon)

Broccoli Spaghetti with Cheese: https://youtu.be/Sv6TzM7wmKE

To make sure you can cook anything with just the addition of some meat, fish or vegetables then have a look at my Pantry Staples.

Pantry Staples

These pantry staples will do for most foods, so always have them on hand.

Herbs: Preferred fresh, but just in case it pays to carry there dry herbs

Basil, Oregano, Tarragon, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Mint Leaves

Spices: Cooking anything from the east will require these

Ground Cloves, Nixed Spice, Cinnamon, Fennel Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Ground Coriander, Red Chilli Flakes, Red Chilli Powder, Green Cardamom Pods, Garam Masala, Turmeric Powder, Allspice, Caraway Seeds, Cayenne Pepper, Star Anise, Fenugreek Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Black Peppercorns, Pink Himalayan Salt

Sauces: Just a handful of common ones

Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Soy Sauce, Sweet Chilli Sauce, Mango Chutney, Worcester Sauce, Mint Sauce

Vinegars, Oils, Pickles: I've just included the basics here

Red Wine Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar, White Vinegar, Malt Vinegar, Raspberry Vinegar, Extra virgin Olive Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Pitted Black Olives, Capers

Tinned Goods: Always have these on hand and save a trip to supermarket

Tomatoes Whole, Chick Peas, Brown Lentils, Red Kidney beans, Black Beans, Anchovies, Tomato Puree, Tuna (425gm), Coconut Milk, Jar Of Liquid Honey

Dry Goods: What every pantry should have.

Flour, Self Raising Flour, Gluten Free Flour (if needed), Corn Flour, Baking powder, baking soda, Vanilla extract, Icing Sugar, Caster Sugar, Brown sugar, Raw Sugar, Basmati Rice , Arborio Rice, Spaghetti, Penne, Macaroni, Lasagne Sheets, Fettuccini, Desiccated Coconut