Bacon, eggs and pasta combine for easy dinner

When the basic ingredients are bacon, pasta, eggs and Parmesan cheese, it's hard to go wrong. This uncomplicated recipe for spaghetti carbonara from Lucinda Scala Quinn's "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys," comes together in minutes.

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

1 pound spaghetti

1/2 pound bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

3 large eggs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (optional)

Ground black pepper, to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-low, cook the bacon until just crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Skim off some of the fat.

Drain the pasta, add to the bacon in the pan, and toss to combine.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheese and pepper in a small bowl. Pour into the pasta, and combine thoroughly. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese, if desired.

(Recipe from Lucinda Scala Quinn's "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys," Artisan, 2009)