Description
Classic spaghetti carbonara delivers creamy Roman comfort straight from Italy’s culinary heart. Pecorino romano, crisp pancetta, and silky eggs create an authentic pasta experience you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz (115g) pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, about 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Create a silky sauce base by whisking eggs, additional egg yolks, and finely grated Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smoothly combined.
- Heat a skillet over medium flame and render pancetta until golden and crisp, developing deep, rich flavor and releasing savory oils.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pancetta, allowing it to bloom and release its aromatic essence for approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Lower the skillet’s temperature and gently incorporate drained spaghetti, coating each strand with the rendered pancetta drippings.
- Remove skillet from heat source and gradually stream the egg mixture over pasta, continuously stirring to prevent scrambling and create a luxurious, creamy coating.
- Modulate sauce consistency by incrementally introducing reserved pasta water, ensuring a velvety, glossy texture.
- Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and delicate salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer to warmed serving plates immediately, optionally garnishing with finely chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Achieve ultra-creamy texture by tempering eggs carefully to prevent scrambling, using gentle heat and constant stirring when adding egg mixture.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting Parmesan with nutritional yeast and using plant-based pancetta alternative for vegan protein.
- Select high-quality ingredients like fresh eggs, authentic Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, and artisan pancetta for authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Prevent sauce from becoming dry by gradually adding reserved pasta water, which helps emulsify and maintain silky, smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg