Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 4 large eggs
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until it is al dente, according to the package instructions. Typically, this should take about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancetta

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and sauté until it is crispy and golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Once the pancetta is almost done, add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs and combine with grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well until it forms a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. When the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.

2. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss to coat the pasta with the pancetta and any rendered fat.

3. Remove the skillet from the heat, and slowly add the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta, stirring continuously. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

2. Serve the carbonara hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if using.

Calories and Time

• Total Calories: Approx. 600 calories per serving
• Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes

This Classic Spaghetti Carbonara is a quick and straightforward recipe, delivering a creamy, savory, and indulgent meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy each bite of this authentic Italian delicacy!