Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with a rich and creamy sauce that doesn’t use any cream. Instead, it’s made with eggs, cheese (typically Pecorino Romano), pancetta or guanciale, and black pepper. This simple yet flavorful dish is a favorite in Italian cuisine, beloved for its silky texture and savory depth.
Ingredients:
200g spaghetti
100g pancetta or guanciale, diced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated (or a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Olive oil, for frying
Method:
1. Cook the spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Cook the pancetta or guanciale:
While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or guanciale and fry until crispy, about 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the egg mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. Set aside.
4. Combine pasta and pancetta:
Once the pasta is cooked, add it directly into the pan with the crispy pancetta (without turning the heat back on). Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the rendered fat from the pancetta.
5. Make the Carbonara sauce:
Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat from the pasta and pancetta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce and make it smoother.
6. Season and serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more black pepper or salt if needed. Serve immediately with extra grated Pecorino on top, if desired.
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple yet luxurious pasta dish that’s rich in flavor and perfectly creamy without any cream. The combination of crispy pancetta, creamy eggs, and sharp Pecorino cheese creates a harmonious, comforting meal. This dish is a perfect example of Italian culinary brilliance—using just a few ingredients to create something absolutely delicious. Enjoy your Carbonara with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal!
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