Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe with Pancetta

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish, beloved for its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. Originating from Rome, this dish combines the simple ingredients of pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta to create a comforting meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make an authentic Spaghetti Carbonara that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces pancetta, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. Set this mixture aside, as it will become the heart of your creamy sauce.

3. Cook the Pancetta:

1. In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until it turns crispy, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Once done, remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the pancetta fat.
2. Gradually pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly and continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve a creamy consistency.

5. Serve:

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
2. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan over the top.
3. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and enjoy every bite of this Italian classic.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 450 per serving

This Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of crispy pancetta, creamy sauce, and al dente spaghetti creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Buon appetito!