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Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a beloved Italian classic that transports you straight to the heart of Rome. This dish balances the creaminess of eggs and Parmesan with the savory crunch of pancetta, all elegantly tossed with al dente spaghetti. The magic lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast. Traditionally, this dish is believed to have originated during World War II, when Italian cooks utilized accessible ingredients to create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- 12 ounces
- Pancetta
- 4 ounces, diced
- Eggs
- 3 large
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup, freshly grated
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon, freshly cracked
- Salt
- to taste
- Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the pancetta fat.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg mixture over the spaghetti and toss vigorously to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to create a creamy sauce. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs without scrambling them.
- Serve the spaghetti alla Carbonara immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, try using guanciale instead of pancetta, which is more traditional.
- Make sure to use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Calories: 500 Fat: 25g Carbs: 50g Protein: 20g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 1g
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