Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Pasta Carbonara, a traditional Italian dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed experience. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making this beloved pasta dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its smoky pancetta, velvety sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 100g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 50g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes and cooking time is 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, 25g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. This is based on a standard serving size of 1 plate for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium heat and add the diced pancetta or guanciale. Cook until crispy.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Add the hot spaghetti directly to the pan with the pancetta and garlic.
- Remove the pan from heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling, and quickly add the egg mixture.
- Mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute pancetta with bacon or turkey bacon for a lighter version. Additionally, use Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino for a milder flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms.
Serving and Pairings
Pasta Carbonara pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It’s not recommended to freeze as the sauce may separate.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold eggs can cause scrambling; always use room temperature eggs.
- Overcooking the pasta will make it mushy; aim for al dente.
- Don’t add the egg mixture while the pan is on the heat to avoid scrambling.
- Be cautious with salt; the pancetta and cheese are already salty.
- Not reserving pasta water can lead to a dry sauce; always save some!
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Mix quickly after adding the egg mixture to prevent clumping.
- Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Carbonara without eggs?
Yes, while traditional carbonara relies on eggs for creaminess, you can use heavy cream as a substitute for a similar texture, though it changes the flavor.
What pasta works best for Carbonara?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini for a different texture.
Is Carbonara gluten-free?
Standard pasta is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free pasta options available in stores to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Can I use other cheeses in Carbonara?
While Pecorino Romano is traditional, you can use Parmesan or a blend of cheeses for a milder flavor, but it won’t be the authentic taste.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Pasta is al dente when it’s cooked through but still has a slight firmness in the center. Taste it a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
Conclusion
Pasta Carbonara is a timeless dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether for a family dinner or an intimate gathering, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors that make this dish a true Italian classic!
Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti
- 100 g pancetta or guanciale diced
- 2 large eggs
- 50 g Pecorino Romano cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium heat and add the diced pancetta or guanciale. Cook until crispy.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Add the hot spaghetti directly to the pan with the pancetta and garlic.
- Remove the pan from heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling, and quickly add the egg mixture.
- Mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
