Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that hails from Rome, known for its creamy texture without the use of cream and its rich flavors imparted by the pancetta, cheese, and egg. It’s a beloved comfort food that marries simple ingredients to create a lusciously savory dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta or guanciale, cut into small cubes
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta or guanciale and sauté until it becomes crisp and golden. Add the garlic clove and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove and discard the garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Once the pasta is drained, add it to the skillet with the pancetta. Mix to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful fat.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture into the pasta, stirring rapidly to coat the spaghetti without cooking the eggs completely. The residual heat will cook the eggs to create a creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately with additional grated Pecorino Romano and a generous grinding of black pepper.
The magic of Spaghetti alla Carbonara lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The crispy pancetta provides a salty crunch, while the sauce, made silky with eggs and Pecorino, clings to every strand of pasta. It’s a testament to the beauty of Italian cooking, where a few quality ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and utterly delicious.