Classic Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Name: Classic Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g spaghetti; 150 g pancetta (diced); 3 large eggs; 1 egg yolk; 100 g Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 50 g Pecorino Romano cheese (freshly grated); 1 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked); 1 tbsp olive oil

30 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Indulge in a creamy and savoury Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a timeless Italian favourite perfect for any pasta lover.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a quintessential Italian pasta dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. Traditionally made with just a few simple ingredients, its simplicity is what makes it so special. This version stays true to the classic method, ensuring you get the authentic taste of Rome right in your own kitchen. Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, this dish is a favourite for pasta lovers around the world. The combination of eggs, cheese, pancetta, and freshly cracked black pepper creates a delightful harmony of flavours that is both comforting and elegant.

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Pro tip: Al dente means the pasta should have a slight bite to it.

Prepare the pancetta

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure pancetta is evenly browned for the best flavour.

Mix eggs and cheese

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan, Pecorino, and black pepper until well combined.

Pro tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth mixture.

Combine pasta and pancetta

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta and toss to coat in the oil and pancetta fat.

Pro tip: Make sure the pasta is well coated.

Create the sauce

Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.

Pro tip: Add pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.

Serve

Serve immediately, topped with additional grated cheese and black pepper.

Pro tip: For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley.

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Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavour.
Mix egg and cheese off the heat to prevent scrambling.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spaghetti alla Carbonara?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.

How many calories are in a serving of Spaghetti alla Carbonara?

One serving of Spaghetti alla Carbonara contains approximately 600 calories.

Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?

Yes, you can substitute pancetta with bacon, though pancetta is traditional.

Why is my carbonara sauce not creamy?

Ensure you mix the egg and cheese off the heat to prevent scrambling and use pasta water to adjust creaminess.

How long does it take to make Spaghetti alla Carbonara?

The total time to make Spaghetti alla Carbonara is about 30 minutes.

Can I make Spaghetti alla Carbonara ahead of time?

It's best served immediately, but you can prepare ingredients ahead and cook pasta just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spaghetti alla Carbonara immediately, garnished with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal. If you're planning to make it ahead, prepare all ingredients and cook the pasta just before serving to ensure the best texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated gently over low heat.

Nutrition per serving

600

Calories

25g

Protein

25g

Fat

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