Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of silky, luxurious pasta carbonara, where each bite promises a perfect harmony of crispy pancetta, rich eggs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This classic Italian dish isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a carbonara so authentic, they'll think you've been secretly trained by a Roman chef!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer hot pasta to the skillet with pancetta. Remove from heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring rapidly to coat the pasta and prevent eggs from scrambling.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smoother sauce integration and prevent scrambling.
- Always remove the pan from heat before adding egg mixture to control temperature.
- Work quickly when mixing eggs to create a creamy, silky sauce.
- Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial—it helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use pancetta for traditional flavor, but good quality bacon works as a delicious substitute.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Practice makes perfect—don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't restaurant-quality!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 190mg
