Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that is rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. This dish features a luscious sauce made from eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper, which comes together to create a comforting and decadent meal. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Pancetta:

   • In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until it is crispy and golden brown. Remove the pancetta from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

4. Add Garlic:

   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

5. Combine Everything:

   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the rendered fat and garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs without scrambling them. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Add Pancetta:

   • Stir in the crispy pancetta and season with freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

7. Serve:

   • Divide the spaghetti carbonara among plates and garnish with additional grated cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara

• Use Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means that the quality of your ingredients really matters. Use fresh eggs, high-quality cheese, and authentic pancetta or guanciale.
• Work Quickly: When adding the egg mixture to the pasta, work quickly to ensure the sauce remains creamy and doesn't turn into scrambled eggs.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Carbonara is a delightful dish that brings together a few simple ingredients to create something truly special. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Italy with every bite!

Feel free to share your own tips or variations in the comments below. Buon appetito!

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