Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and deliciousness to your dinner table. It combines simple ingredients to create a creamy, rich sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. With its origins in Rome, this dish has become popular all over the world, loved for its flavors and ease of preparation.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in about 30 minutes. Spaghetti Carbonara is not only tasty but also a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, you can impress your guests with a dish that feels gourmet but is so simple to make!
How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 100g grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- In a skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. If using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
- Immediately add the hot spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta, tossing to combine.
- Remove from heat and quickly mix in the egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water little by little until creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Spaghetti Carbonara
Serve your Spaghetti Carbonara hot, directly from the skillet. You can sprinkle extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top and add a bit of chopped fresh parsley for color. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Spaghetti Carbonara
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
- Use high-quality pancetta or guanciale for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to scramble the eggs; mix them in quickly off the heat to create a creamy sauce.
- Always reserve some pasta water; it helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
- Adjust the amount of cheese and black pepper according to your taste.
Variation
You can switch things up by adding vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms instead of pancetta or guanciale.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: While Pecorino Romano is traditional, you can use Parmesan cheese or a mix of both for similar flavor profiles.
Q: Is it safe to eat raw egg in this recipe?
A: The eggs are mixed with hot pasta, which helps cook them slightly. However, if you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving to ensure the best texture.
