Spaghetti Carbonara

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A home kitchen counter with ingredients for spaghetti carbonara, including Pecorino Romano cheese, eggs, guanciale, black pepper, and fresh spaghetti, ready for cooking.

This Spaghetti Carbonara recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s rich, creamy, and comes together in minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. The combination of salty pancetta, creamy eggs, and sharp Pecorino Romano cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s a dish that’s impressive enough for guests, yet simple enough for a quick family dinner.

Pure Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious, velvety sauce. This Carbonara delivers that comforting feeling in every bite. The richness of the eggs and cheese, combined with the salty pork, creates a truly satisfying and indulgent experience. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • Salt, to taste

What You Need

  • Large pot for boiling water
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Time to Cook

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Steps to Make It

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  5. Add the pasta to the skillet with the rendered pancetta fat. Toss to coat the pasta.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. This is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
  7. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to coat. The heat from the pasta and skillet will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.
  8. Add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time, if needed, to loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
  9. Stir in the crispy pancetta.
  10. Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Make It Perfect

  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this dish. It should have a slight bite to it.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs, good quality pancetta, and freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese will make a world of difference in the flavor of your Carbonara.
  • Temper the eggs: Removing the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture is key to preventing scrambled eggs. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • Don’t be afraid of the pepper: Black pepper is a key ingredient in Carbonara. Use a generous amount for a truly authentic flavor.

Mix It Up

  • Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the pancetta while cooking will give your Carbonara a little kick.
  • Use different cheese: While Pecorino Romano is traditional, you can also use Parmesan cheese or a combination of both.
  • Add some vegetables: Peas or asparagus are a great addition to Carbonara. Add them to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking.

Perfect Partners

  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to the rich Carbonara.
  • Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • White Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with Carbonara.

Busy Day Hero

This Spaghetti Carbonara is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients. You can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Work Ahead

While it’s best served immediately, you can cook the pancetta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also grate the cheese in advance.

Save Some For Later

Leftover Carbonara can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet with a little pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Everyone’s Happy

This is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, flavorful sauce and the satisfying combination of pasta, pancetta, and cheese.

Good For You Too

While it’s an indulgent dish, Carbonara does contain some beneficial nutrients. Eggs are a good source of protein, and cheese provides calcium.

Easy Clean Up

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to clean up. Just a few dishes to wash, and you’re done!

Switch It Up

  • Use different pasta: While spaghetti is traditional, you can also use other pasta shapes, such as linguine, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
  • Try different meats: Guanciale is the traditional pork used in Carbonara, but pancetta is a readily available substitute. You can also use bacon in a pinch.

Simply Perfect

This Spaghetti Carbonara recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-executed dishes. With just a few high-quality ingredients and a little attention to technique, you can create a truly memorable meal.

FAQs

  1. Can I use cream in Carbonara? No, traditional Carbonara does not contain cream. The creaminess comes from the eggs and cheese.
  2. Can I make Carbonara vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the pancetta and add some vegetables, such as mushrooms or asparagus.
  3. How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling? Removing the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture is crucial. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs.
  4. Can I use pre-grated cheese? Freshly grated cheese is always best, but you can use pre-grated cheese in a pinch.
  5. How do I know when the pasta is al dente? Al dente pasta should be firm to the bite. It should have a slight resistance when you chew it.
  6. What if my sauce is too thick? Add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  7. Can I freeze Carbonara? It is not recommended to freeze Carbonara as the texture of the eggs can change.

For a comparison of culinary traditions, explore the difference between Italian and American Lasagna.

Crafting Homemade Carbonara

If dining out isn’t an option, why not try making Carbonara at home? Start with fresh pasta to elevate your dish. Making pasta from scratch can seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding experience that enhances the authenticity of your meal.

Need guidance? Follow this detailed explanation on how to make fresh pasta to perfect your culinary skills.

Modern Twists and Regional Variations

While traditional Carbonara is a staple, there are numerous regional and global variations. From vegetarian substitutes to gluten-free adaptations, the possibilities are endless. Experimenting with these variations allows you to appreciate the versatility of Italian cuisine.

For more innovative Italian pasta ideas, explore authentic Sicilian pasta recipes and tips.

How to Spot the Best Italian Restaurants

Finding the perfect spot for Spaghetti Carbonara involves more than just online reviews. Look for places that emphasize fresh ingredients and maintain Italian culinary traditions. Small details, like house-made pasta or imported Pecorino Romano, can make all the difference.

For insights into Italian culinary traditions beyond Carbonara, dive into the process of making fresh pasta.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides a simple and straightforward method for creating a truly delicious and authentic Carbonara. With just a few ingredients and a little attention to detail, you can enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal any night of the week.

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