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Carbonara Pasta Dish: A Classic Recipe for Authentic Italian Flavor

Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this creamy Carbonara, featuring al dente pasta, crispy pancetta, and a rich egg and cheese sauce. Quick and easy to make, it’s the perfect comforting dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400g spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Grate the Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese finely and mix them in a bowl.
  3. Cut the pancetta or guanciale into small cubes.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, adding a pinch of salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
  5. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
  6. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  7. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing.
  8. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Add garlic in the last minute if using.
  9. Take the skillet off the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
  10. Toss the drained pasta in the skillet with the pancetta to coat it in the rendered fat.
  11. Quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
  12. Sprinkle the grated cheeses over the pasta, tossing until melted and combined.
  13. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  14. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color.
  15. Plate the pasta and top with extra cheese and black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your pancetta or guanciale and cheese significantly impacts the dish.
  • Timing is Key: Work quickly when combining the pasta with the egg mixture to ensure a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.