Description
A classic Italian carbonara pasta that combines a creamy sauce with crispy pancetta for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 3 to 4 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter
- 4 ounces diced pancetta or thick-cut bacon
- 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Additional grated cheese for serving
- Optional: fresh parsley or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cheese until creamy and pale yellow.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Lower the heat under the skillet and add the spaghetti along with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Toss the pasta to coat it in bacon fat, then gradually pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency with more pasta water if necessary.
- Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and top with remaining cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients. For variations, consider adding vegetables like peas or mushrooms for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: carbonara, pasta, Italian, quick dinner, creamy sauce