Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara – A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Spaghetti Carbonara is a dish that showcases the beauty of simplicity in Italian cuisine. With its creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and bold Parmesan flavors, it’s a meal that feels luxurious yet comes together in no time. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a quick family meal, this classic recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Carbonara

The key to a perfect Spaghetti Carbonara lies in the quality of its ingredients. While the list is short, each component plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

• Spaghetti: This long, thin pasta is ideal for absorbing the creamy sauce.
• Eggs: The foundation of the sauce provides richness and a silky texture.
• Pancetta: Adds a savory, salty crunch that complements the creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the sauce with a nutty, umami flavor.
• Garlic: A subtle aromatic that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
• Black Pepper: A generous sprinkling ties the dish together with its spicy warmth.

How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare.  This makes it a favorite for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Start by cooking the spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. While the pasta cooks, crisp up diced pancetta in a skillet.  This allows the pancetta fat to render and flavor the pan. Once the pancetta is golden, add minced garlic for a touch of aromatic sweetness.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture is the base for the creamy sauce. When the pasta is ready, transfer it to the skillet with the pancetta and allow it to soak up the flavorful fat. Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing vigorously to coat the spaghetti without scrambling the eggs. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Tips for a Perfect Carbonara

The beauty of Spaghetti Carbonara lies in its simplicity, but a few tricks can ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:

• Timing is Everything: Combine the sauce and pasta immediately while the spaghetti is still hot to create a creamy emulsion.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh black pepper for the best flavor.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and prevents it from becoming too thick.

What to Serve With Spaghetti Carbonara

While Spaghetti Carbonara is satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding a crunchy element.
• Roasted Asparagus: A light, flavorful vegetable side that complements the richness of the pasta.
• Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Adds a refreshing, tangy balance to the meal.

Leftovers & Storage

Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove with a splash of water to prevent the sauce from curdling.

Equipment for Spaghetti Carbonara

Using the right tools can make preparing this dish even easier:

• Large pot, for cooking the pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
• Large skillet, for crisping pancetta and tossing the pasta.
• Mixing bowl, for whisking the egg and cheese mixture.
• Tongs, for tossing the pasta and sauce together seamlessly.
• Grater, for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Other Recipes to Try

If you loved this Spaghetti Carbonara, you might enjoy these other pasta recipes from Sisters Know Best:

• Pasta Primavera Recipe – A colorful dish featuring fresh, seasonal vegetables.
• Bison Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta – A hearty lasagna packed with unique flavors.
• Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo – A light yet satisfying pasta dish.

For even more Italian pasta inspiration, explore 20 Best Italian Pasta Recipes.

Spaghetti Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. Its creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and bold Parmesan flavors make it a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Pair it with garlic bread or roasted asparagus for a complete and satisfying meal!

Spaghetti Carbonara

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, perfect for a quick and indulgent meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling the pasta
• Large Skillet for cooking the pancetta and combining the sauce
• Mixing bowl for whisking the egg mixture
• Tongs for tossing the pasta with the sauce
• Grater for freshly grating Parmesan cheese

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
• 4 ounces pancetta diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt for the pasta water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
• Cook the Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
• Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss to coat the pasta in the pancetta fat. Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour in the egg mixture, tossing continuously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
• Serve and Garnish: Plate the spaghetti carbonara and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Notes

• Use Room-Temperature Eggs: This helps prevent the eggs from curdling when they hit the hot pasta.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Work Quickly: To ensure a creamy sauce, combine the pasta and egg mixture immediately off the heat.

Keyword pasta recipe, spaghetti

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