Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Classic Italian pasta dish with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Pancetta
Garnish
Method
Preparation
- 1
Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- 2
Prepare the Pancetta
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3
Combining Ingredients
- 4
Combine Pasta and Pancetta
Once the spaghetti is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the cooked pancetta. Toss to combine, allowing the residual heat to warm the pasta.
- 5
Add the Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, using tongs to toss constantly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently and create a creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Serving
- 6
Plate and Garnish
Serve the spaghetti carbonara immediately, garnished with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley if desired.