Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

 

Introduction:

Spaghetti Carbonara is a beloved Italian pasta dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and the simplicity of its ingredients. This classic recipe combines the flavors of crispy pancetta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to create a delectable, comforting meal. Let's get started on preparing this Italian favorite!

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
• 4 ounces (113g) pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Spaghetti:

• Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and set the mixture aside.

3. Cook the Pancetta:

• In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or guanciale over medium heat until it turns crispy and golden. Remove any excess fat if necessary.

4. Add the Garlic:

• Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the crispy pancetta and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Once the spaghetti is cooked, add it to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the flavors.

6. Pour the Egg Mixture:

• Off the heat, quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss vigorously to combine, ensuring that the heat from the pasta cooks the eggs and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the Spaghetti Carbonara with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

Enjoy:

Serve this classic Italian dish immediately while it's still piping hot. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the crispy pancetta and perfectly cooked pasta makes for an unforgettable meal. Buon appetito!