Description
Classic Italian spaghetti carbonara delivers creamy pasta perfection with silky eggs, crisp pancetta, and sharp pecorino romano. Authentic Roman technique creates luxurious comfort in one elegant dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 400 grams (14.11 ounces) spaghetti
Proteins:
- 3 large eggs
- 200 grams (7.05 ounces) beef or chicken bacon, diced
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in generously salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Craft a luxurious base by whisking eggs, grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly combined and silky smooth.
- Activate a large skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing a touch of olive oil. Crisp the diced bacon until golden and intensely crunchy, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet’s residual heat and remaining oil to gently sweat finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet, expertly coating each strand with the fragrant aromatics and residual oil.
- Reduce flame to low, then swiftly integrate the egg-cheese mixture, continuously tossing with culinary precision to prevent scrambling and create a velvety, emulsified sauce.
- Incorporate the crispy bacon fragments, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy pasta. Modulate seasoning with additional salt if required.
- Elegantly finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface and serve piping hot, celebrating the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce without breaking the eggs.
- Remove the skillet from direct heat when adding egg mixture to prevent scrambling and maintain a creamy texture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with crispy mushrooms or roasted zucchini to add depth and umami.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 533 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 211 mg