Pasta carbonara is a classic Italian dish made with spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, cheese and pepper. It’s cooked by mixing hot pasta with a creamy egg sauce.
Pasta Carbonara
Description
Pasta carbonara is a classic Italian dish made with spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, cheese and pepper. It’s cooked by mixing hot pasta with a creamy egg sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
COOK THE SPAGHETTI
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Tip: Stir the pasta occasionally while boiling to prevent it from sticking.
PREPARE THE EGG MIXTURE
In a medium mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother sauce consistency.
COOK THE PANCETTA
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or guanciale and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and crispy. If using garlic, add the minced garlic in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning it. Remove the skillet from heat but keep the pancetta in the pan.
Tip: Adjust the heat to avoid overcooking the pancetta, as burnt pieces can affect the dish’s flavor.
COMBINE THE PASTA AND SAUCE
Immediately add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss the pasta to coat it in the rendered fat. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
Tip: Work quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs; the residual heat of the pasta will cook the sauce gently.
GARNISH AND SERVE
ransfer the pasta carbonara to serving plates. Garnish with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Tip: Serve the dish hot to fully enjoy its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 560kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Cholesterol 190mg64%
- Sodium 680mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 26g52%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
HELPFUL TOOLS:
mixing bowl, whisk, grater, tongs, large skillet, pasta pot
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