Description
Pasta perfection emerges in this classic carbonara, blending creamy Roman traditions with crispy bacon. Rich egg sauce coats al dente noodles, inviting you to savor authentic Italian comfort in each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 4 oz (115g) bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender with a slight bite, approximately 8-9 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain excess grease, retaining a thin layer for flavor.
- Whisk egg yolks with finely grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until well combined.
- Once pasta is cooked, transfer directly into the bacon skillet, tossing to coat strands with residual bacon fat.
- Immediately remove skillet from heat and pour egg mixture over hot pasta, stirring vigorously to create a silky, smooth sauce that coats each strand.
- If sauce appears too thick, incorporate small amounts of reserved pasta water to achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Transfer carbonara to warmed serving plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings and a generous sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve promptly to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of this classic Roman-style pasta dish.
Notes
- Always use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling when mixing with hot pasta, ensuring a smooth, silky sauce.
- Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for authentic, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Timing is crucial – remove pan from heat before adding egg mixture and stir rapidly to create a creamy texture without turning eggs into scrambled bits.
- For a lighter version, swap bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon, and use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value while maintaining classic carbonara essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 730 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg