Easy Spaghetti Carbonara

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1. 1Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, covered.
2. 2Step 2: Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium-low heat until brown and crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet, then lower the heat. Add minced garlic to the warm skillet and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant and softened, then turn off the heat.
3. 3Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, and a generous amount of freshly cracked pepper until well combined.
4. 4Step 4: When the water is boiling, add the pasta, stir well, and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
5. 5Step 5: Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet used for bacon. Stir to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom. Add the hot drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the bacon drippings.
6. 6Step 6: Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot pasta and immediately stir or toss. The residual heat cooks the eggs as you toss, creating a creamy sauce.
7. 7Step 7: Add the remaining Parmesan, a little more cracked pepper, and the reserved bacon bits, and toss again. If the pasta seems too thick, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water.
8. 8Step 8: Taste and adjust salt, Parmesan, or pepper as needed. Top with a pinch or two of roughly chopped parsley leaves.