Indulge in a classic Pasta Carbonara with a rich, velvety sauce made from eggs, crispy pancetta, and freshly grated Pecorino Romano. This authentic Italian dish is quick and easy, taking just 20 minutes to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Spaghetti alla carbonara is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that comes together in the time it takes to boil the spaghetti. Made with simple ingredients like pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper, this dish creates a silky sauce when the eggs are tossed with the hot pasta and a bit of the pancetta fat. It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re ready to treat yourself after eating light for days—a genuinely satisfying splurge that’s worth every bite. If you indulge, pasta carbonara is the way to go!
Table of Contents
How to Make Pasta Carbonara
Place bacon and water in a skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook until the water evaporates, and the bacon crisps up. “Take the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind. Sauté the garlic in the same pan until it turns golden, then transfer it to a bowl along with 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat. Eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
As the bacon cooks, cook your pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water. Slowly whisk the hot pasta water into the egg mixture, then toss with the hot pasta. Add the crispy bacon and toss until the sauce thickens. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
What Is Pasta Carbonara?
Carbonara is one of Rome’s iconic pasta dishes, alongside cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia. While its origins are debated, some theories suggest it was created by Italian charcoal workers who cooked it over a fire or that the black pepper resembles charcoal flecks (“Carbone” meaning charcoal). Another idea links its development to American soldiers in Italy during World War II, who blended their bacon and egg rations with local pasta.
Carbonara is unique in blending eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper to form a rich, creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta gently cooks the raw eggs, but pasteurized eggs can be used for those concerned with safety.
Tips for Carbonara Success
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, yet perfecting it may require a bit of practice.
Preparation is vital: Since carbonara comes together quickly, it’s essential to have all your ingredients and equipment ready to go from the start. Timing is crucial for success.
Temper the eggs: After draining the pasta, move swiftly. Have the beaten eggs ready, and whisk in a few tablespoons of hot pasta water to temper them. This step helps avoid curdling by allowing you to mix the eggs with the hot pasta more smoothly. Toss everything together in the warm cooking pot to keep the mixture warm enough to melt the cheese.
Use quality ingredients: Skip the pre-grated cheese! Opt for high-quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for the best flavor. If you indulge, it’s worth doing it right with premium ingredients!
What ingredients are in pasta carbonara?
The beauty of carbonara lies in its simplicity, made with just a few essential ingredients: spaghetti (or any long pasta), pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The magic happens when the beaten eggs are mixed with the hot pasta and a bit of rendered fat from the pancetta, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
“Is Eating Raw Eggs in Carbonara Sauce Safe?”
It’s essential to be cautious when using raw eggs, mainly when serving elderly individuals or children. Eggs must reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F to be considered safe for consumption. In dishes like Pasta Carbonara, the eggs don’t get that temperature without scrambling, so the dish may pose a risk of undercooked eggs for vulnerable groups. For added safety, consider using pasteurized eggs to avoid this concern while still achieving the creamy texture typical of carbonara.
Ingredients to make Pasta Carbonara
- One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1/2 pound pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced, about one teaspoon (optional)
- 3 to 4 whole eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
- 1 pound spaghetti (or bucatini or fettuccine)
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Directions
Step 1: Boil the pasta water:
Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil, using one tablespoon for every 2 quarts of water.
Step 2: Cook the pancetta or bacon and garlic:
While waiting for the water to boil, heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Add garlic at the end and sauté for approximately one minute if you’re including garlic. Turn off the heat and transfer everything to a large bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the egg mixture:
In a small bowl, beat the eggs and stir in half of the cheese.
Step 4: Cook the pasta:
Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Remember to reserve some of the pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Combine pasta with pancetta:
Transfer the hot, drained pasta to the bowl with the pancetta and garlic. Quickly toss the pasta, making sure it’s warm enough to heat the sauce without cooking the eggs too much.
Step 6: Mix in the eggs and cheese:
Add the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta, tossing everything quickly to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and if needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve immediately:
Garnish with the remaining cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and parsley if you like.
conclusion
In conclusion, Pasta Carbonara is a timeless Italian classic known for its simplicity and indulgent flavors. The combination of eggs, pancetta, Parmesan, and pepper creates a creamy, rich sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making it a dish full of comfort and taste. While it may take a bit of practice to master the technique, the result is well worth the effort. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or a special treat, carbonara never fails to satisfy, especially with high-quality ingredients and careful preparation.