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Classic Carbonara Pasta Recipe

Classic Carbonara Pasta Recipe
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This Classic Carbonara Pasta Recipe is a quick and easy Italian favorite featuring a creamy, egg-based sauce without any cream. Made with spaghetti, crispy pancetta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or entertaining guests with authentic flavors and minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water (generous amount)

Protein & Fat

  • 150g (5 oz) pancetta, diced

Sauce

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 100g (1 cup) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Cook the Pancetta: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta. Cook until crispy and golden, allowing the fat to render. Remove from heat but keep the pancetta fat in the pan.
  3. Mix the Egg and Cheese: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta fat, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the egg and cheese mixture quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
  5. Season and Serve: Finish with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and an optional additional sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps the sauce adhere better.
  • Stir quickly and continuously when combining sauce with pasta for a creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: carbonara, classic carbonara, Italian pasta, creamy pasta, pancetta pasta, quick pasta recipe

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