Teresa's Recipes
Spaghetti Carbonara
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Spaghetti Carbonara, a classic Italian dish that hails from the Lazio region. This flavorful pasta combines al dente spaghetti with crispy pancetta, luscious eggs, and sharp Parmesan cheese, creating a silky sauce that clings to every strand. Traditionally enjoyed in Rome, Carbonara is the epitome of Italian comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of black pepper, this dish is not only delicious but also a true culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Spaghetti
- 4 ounces, diced Pancetta
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 70g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water 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 5-7 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, a generous amount of black pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and toss to coat in the rendered fat.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot spaghetti, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Serve the spaghetti carbonara immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, substitute pancetta with guanciale, which is the traditional meat used in Roman Carbonara.
- Make sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Feel free to add peas or sautéed mushrooms for a twist on this classic dish.