Carbonara pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and perfectly cooked spaghetti into a dish that’s both simple and indulgent. Originating from Italian cuisine, this recipe is a timeless classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious and quick recipe!
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 30 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 4
Ingredients:
For the carbonara:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
- 4 oz (115g) pancetta diced
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for a more authentic taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Salt, for pasta water
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 540 kcal
Protein: 22g
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the carbonara Sauce Base:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Pancetta:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If the pancetta doesn’t release enough fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the skillet from the heat once the pancetta is crispy.
Combine Pasta and carbonara Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing to coat the noodles in the rendered fat. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing quickly to form a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
Serve carbonara:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Serving Tip 💡:
For the perfect presentation, garnish your Carbonara with extra cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a few parsley leaves if desired. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, and enjoy this classic Italian delight!
