Spaghetti Carbonara is a timeless Italian dish celebrated for its simplicity and rich, creamy flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this Roman classic combines pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta into a dish that’s comforting, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With this step-by-step guide, you can make an authentic Spaghetti Carbonara that rivals any Italian trattoria.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
2. Cook the Pancetta
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or guanciale and cook until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. If desired, add the lightly crushed garlic cloves and olive oil to the skillet for added flavor, but remove the garlic before proceeding to the next step. Remove the skillet from the heat once the pancetta is done.
3. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese until smooth and creamy. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the mixture. The pepper’s warmth complements the dish’s richness.
4. Combine the Pasta and Pancetta
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the cooked pancetta, tossing to coat the pasta in the rendered fat. If the skillet has cooled down, briefly return it to low heat to warm the pasta but ensure it’s not too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
5. Add the Sauce
Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Quickly toss the pasta to combine, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs gently and create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed. Divide the Spaghetti Carbonara among plates, garnish with additional grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara
- Choose the Right Ingredients: For an authentic flavor, use guanciale (cured pork cheek) if available. Pancetta is a great substitute, but avoid using bacon as it’s often smoked, which changes the dish’s traditional taste.
- Timing is Key: Work quickly when combining the egg mixture with the pasta to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for loosening the sauce and adding a silky texture.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese can lack flavor and doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano is essential for the best results.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is the epitome of simple yet luxurious comfort food. Its creamy texture and savory flavor make it a dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a family meal or serving it to impress dinner guests, Spaghetti Carbonara is a foolproof recipe that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Try it today and savor the rich, authentic taste of Rome in your own kitchen!
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