Description
Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara combines al dente pasta with crispy pancetta, eggs, and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, flavorful Italian classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces (115g) pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, for pasta cooking water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Cook the Pancetta:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced pancetta and sauté until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the drained pasta to the pot while it’s still hot.
- Quickly add the cooked pancetta and the egg-cheese mixture to the pasta.
- Toss everything together swiftly; the heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, forming a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta into serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Cheese: For an authentic flavor, consider using Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Pasta Water: The reserved starchy pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and ensures it clings to the pasta.
- Avoid Scrambling Eggs: Ensure the pasta isn’t too hot when adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling. Tossing off the heat can help control this.
- Serving: Spaghetti Carbonara is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara Classic Italian pasta recipe Creamy Carbonara sauce Easy Carbonara recipe Traditional Italian Carbonara