Spaghetti Carbonara

Name: Spaghetti Carbonara
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Spaghetti (or choice of pasta); Salt; Pancetta (or guanciale), diced; Large eggs; Egg yolks; Pecorino cheese, finely grated; Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Black pepper

Classic Italian Comfort Food

A creamy, delicious Italian pasta dish featuring pancetta, eggs, cheese, and black pepper.

30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pasta

Spaghetti (or choice of pasta)

400g

Salt

2 tablespoons (for boiling water)

For the Carbonara Sauce

Pancetta (or guanciale), diced

150g

Large eggs

Egg yolks

Pecorino cheese, finely grated

100g

Parmesan cheese, finely grated

50g

Black pepper

to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Pancetta

Marinate the Pancetta

Allow pancetta to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance flavor.

Preparing the Carbonara Mixture

Whisk eggs and yolks

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks until combined.

Use room-temperature eggs for a silkier sauce.

Combine cheese and pepper

Stir in pecorino and parmesan cheese. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and set aside.

Do not add salt to the egg mixture, as the cheese and pancetta provide necessary salinity. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to adjust sauce consistency.

Cooking Process

Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.

Timing: 8-10 minutes. Heat: High heat.

Fry the Pancetta

In a skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy.

Timing: 5 minutes. Heat: Medium heat.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Quickly toss the hot pasta with the carbonara mixture and crispy pancetta. Add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired creaminess.

Plating & Serving