Spaghetti carbonara ingredients with pancetta and chef knife

Recipes

How to Make Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara - A Chef's Guide to Perfectly Creamy Pasta

by Adam Dodd on Aug 29, 2023

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe with Pancetta and Pecorino Romano

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Roman pasta dish made with simple ingredients, including spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, Pecorino Romano and black pepper. The creamy texture comes from combining the egg and cheese mixture with the residual heat of the pasta.

knife, bacon, carbonara

Ingredients

400g spaghetti
115g pancetta or guanciale, diced
3 large eggs
100g Pecorino Romano, grated
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt, for the pasta water
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Dice the pancetta using a sharp chef's knife and grate the Pecorino Romano.

2. Cook the Pancetta

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until golden and crispy. Set aside.

3. Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the packet instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce

Whisk the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano and black pepper in a bowl until combined.

5. Combine the Ingredients

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the pancetta in a skillet, then remove it from the heat. Add the egg and cheese mixture, tossing quickly to coat the pasta.

Add a small amount of reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

6. Serve

Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano, freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley, if desired.

Final Thoughts

With a few quality ingredients and the right technique, you can prepare a delicious spaghetti carbonara at home. The key is to combine the egg and cheese mixture with the hot pasta off the heat for a smooth, creamy finish.

Tags: carbonara, easy recipes, recipe, recipes

How to Make Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara - A Chef's Guide to Perfectly Creamy Pasta

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe with Pancetta and Pecorino Romano

Ingredients