Description
Creamy carbonara brings Italian culinary magic right to your kitchen, featuring silky spaghetti embraced by crispy pancetta and rich egg sauce. Cheese-lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic Roman comfort dish that promises pure dining pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti pasta
- 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Optional Garnish and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce diced pancetta and render until golden and crisp, roughly 5-7 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow to become fragrant for approximately 60 seconds.
- Create sauce base by whisking eggs, Parmesan, heavy cream, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a separate mixing vessel until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Temporarily remove skillet from direct heat. Rapidly transfer cooked spaghetti into pancetta-laden pan. Swiftly cascade egg mixture across pasta, continuously tossing to ensure even coating without allowing eggs to scramble. Introduce reserved pasta water gradually to develop luxurious, silky texture.
- Transfer carbonara into serving dishes. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal flavor and consistency.
Notes
- Choose high-quality pancetta for authentic flavor and crispy texture.
- Temper eggs by slowly adding hot pasta water to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth, silky sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum melting and rich taste.
- For vegetarian option, replace pancetta with crispy mushrooms or smoked tofu cubes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg