Easy Pasta Carbonara
A simple and delicious classic Italian dish featuring creamy pasta, crispy pancetta, and grated cheese, perfect for quick dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta Use your preferred type of pasta.
- 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced Pancetta adds a salty flavor; bacon can be substituted.
- 2 large eggs Creates a creamy sauce; can use 1 egg and 1 egg white for a lighter version.
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese Traditional cheese for Carbonara; Grana Padano or Parmesan can be used as substitutes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste Use generously to flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Cooking the Pancetta
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese until well combined and creamy. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
Combining the Ingredients
- Once the pasta is done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Quickly add the hot pasta to the skillet with pancetta. Remove from heat.
- Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving
- Garnish with additional cheese, parsley, and more black pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Serve with crusty bread and consider wine pairings for an elevated meal experience.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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