Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich, creamy sauce made without cream. Instead, the sauce gets its creamy texture from eggs and cheese, combined with crispy pancetta or bacon. Here’s a traditional recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 4 oz (115g) pancetta or bacon (diced)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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Prepare the Pancetta or Bacon:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic, add it during the last minute of cooking for a bit of extra flavor.
- Remove the cooked pancetta or bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving a small amount of fat in the skillet.
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Mix the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese. Season with a bit of salt and plenty of black pepper.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the reserved pancetta fat (heat off). Toss to coat the pasta with the fat.
- Quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
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Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the cooked pancetta or bacon and mix well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Eggs: To ensure a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs, make sure to mix the egg mixture with the pasta off the heat and toss continuously.
- Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is key to achieving the right consistency for the sauce. Add it gradually as needed.
- Cheese: Use good quality cheese for the best flavor. Pecorino Romano adds a sharper flavor compared to Parmesan.
Spaghetti Carbonara is a quick and delicious dish that highlights the simple yet satisfying flavors of Italian cuisine. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
