Let’s prepare a classic and comforting Spaghetti Carbonara. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that combines a few quality ingredients to create a creamy, savory pasta that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 6 ounces (170g) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Cook the Pancetta:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta (or bacon) and cook until it’s crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking to gently cook without burning.
- Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Pancetta:
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss well over low heat to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated in the rendered fat.
- Add the Egg Mixture:
- Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, constantly stirring to combine. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with more grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- It’s crucial to work quickly when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs. The goal is to achieve a silky, creamy sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly and offer a better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Carbonara, a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine with its straightforward yet sophisticated flavors.