Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Pasta Carbonara, a traditional Italian dish that never fails to impress. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this dish easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to savor each bite of this classic comfort food!
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 100g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 50g grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 clove of garlic (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people, with a preparation time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of Pasta Carbonara contains approximately 600 calories, 30g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 35g of fat. This information is based on a single serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add pancetta or guanciale and cook until crispy.
- If using garlic, add it to the pan for flavor, then remove.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese.
- Once pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
- Add hot pasta to the pan with pancetta, removing from heat immediately.
- Quickly add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring constantly.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese and parsley if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
If you can’t find guanciale, pancetta is a great substitute. For a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon. You can also replace Pecorino Romano with Grana Padano for a similar flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Pasta Carbonara pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio. It also complements roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Pasta Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan with a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to mushiness.
- Adding eggs to a hot pan can scramble them; remove from heat first.
- Using pre-grated cheese can affect the texture and flavor.
- Not reserving pasta water can result in a dry dish.
- Forgetting to season can leave the dish bland.
- Rushing the mixing can cause the sauce to clump.
Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
- Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite blend.
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Consider adding peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I make Pasta Carbonara without eggs?
Yes, while traditional recipes use eggs for creaminess, you can use heavy cream as a substitute. However, it will alter the authentic flavor.
What type of pasta works best for Carbonara?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini for a different texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can create a vegetarian version using mushrooms or smoked tofu instead of pancetta, and replace cheese with a plant-based alternative.
How do I prevent the sauce from scrambling?
To avoid scrambling, ensure you remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture, stirring quickly to combine.
What can I serve with Pasta Carbonara?
Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or a light white wine for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Pasta Carbonara is a timeless dish that beautifully marries simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Once you master this classic recipe, you’ll want to share it with friends and family for every occasion!
Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti
- 100 g pancetta or guanciale diced
- 2 large eggs
- 50 g grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 clove of garlic optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add pancetta or guanciale and cook until crispy.
- If using garlic, add it to the pan for flavor, then remove.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese.
- Once pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
- Add hot pasta to the pan with pancetta, removing from heat immediately.
- Quickly add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring constantly.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese and parsley if desired.