Description
This Classic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe delivers a rich and creamy Italian pasta dish made with crispy pancetta, freshly grated Parmesan, and a velvety egg-based sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Pancetta: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and sauté until it is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic towards the last minute to soften and infuse flavor without burning.
- Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season the mixture generously with freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Everything: Once the spaghetti is drained, immediately add it to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent scrambling. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing vigorously to coat the pasta and to allow the eggs to gently cook with the residual heat, creating a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a silky, creamy consistency that clings well to the spaghetti.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the carbonara while warm. Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and extra freshly cracked black pepper for a final touch of flavor. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Be sure to work quickly when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps emulsify and loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
- Pancetta can be substituted with guanciale or good quality bacon if pancetta is unavailable.
- This dish is best served immediately as reheating can cause the eggs to scramble.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
