Linguine Carbonara with Pancetta

Ingredients

Linguine

12 ounces

Pancetta

4 ounces, diced

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Eggs

3 large

Parmesan cheese

1 cup, grated

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste, freshly cracked

Parsley

1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta water

1 cup, reserved

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn't burn.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, a generous amount of black pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4. Slowly whisk in about 1/4 cup of the hot reserved pasta water to temper the egg mixture. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added to the pasta.
5. Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the crispy pancetta and garlic. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the delicious pancetta fat.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour in the egg mixture, stirring vigorously until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta, creating a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper if necessary.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.