Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

 

Introduction: Spaghetti Carbonara is a beloved Italian pasta dish known for its creamy, egg-based sauce, crispy pancetta, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. It's a simple yet indulgent recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Follow this classic recipe to create a restaurant-quality Carbonara in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) of spaghetti
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3.5 ounces (100g) pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Set this mixture aside.

3. Cook the Pancetta:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta or guanciale. Cook until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, usually 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the crispy pancetta and garlic. Toss everything together to combine.

5. Add the Egg and Cheese Mixture:

• Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Immediately start stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Season and Serve:

• Taste for seasoning and add salt and more black pepper if needed (keep in mind that the pancetta and Parmesan are already salty).
• Serve your Spaghetti Carbonara immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if you like.

7. Enjoy:

• Serve this classic Italian pasta dish piping hot. The creamy, cheesy sauce and the savory pancetta will make your taste buds dance.

Pro Tips:

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese, and grate it fresh for the best flavor.
• Be cautious when adding salt, as the pancetta and Parmesan already contribute saltiness to the dish.
• Work quickly when adding the egg and cheese mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs; the residual heat from the pasta should cook the eggs to create a creamy sauce.

Now, enjoy your homemade Classic Spaghetti Carbonara, and savor the rich, comforting flavors of Italy!