spaghetti carbonara
Originating in Rome, this simple yet delicious pasta recipe is surprisingly satisfying. The pancetta adds a meaty tone to the dish (but you can use bacon instead of pancetta, if you want more of a smoky flavor to the dish). Serve Spaghetti Carbonara with some warmed Italian bread, Caesar's Salad, and plenty of fine Italian wine, and you'll have a meal that's fit for royalty!
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prep time
10 Min
cook time
15 Min
method
Stove Top
yield
6 to 8
Ingredients
- 16-oz packages dry spaghetti
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pecorino-romano cheese or parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated (or you can use grated parmesan cheese) - divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper - plus more at serving
- 4 slices pancetta (or bacon) - chopped into small pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- - cream, as needed for consistency
How To Make spaghetti carbonara
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Step 1Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain cooked spaghetti.
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Step 2In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fluffy. Stir in 1/3 cup cheese, salt and pepper. Set bowl aside.
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Step 3Rub a few pieces of raw pancetta (or bacon) on bottom of skillet, leaving a bit of fat residue on bottom of pan. Heat the skillet over medium heat, and add garlic to skillet and sauté it in the fat for 1 minute. Stir in the pancetta (or bacon), and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well combined. NOTE: If preferred, you can add other ingredients at things point - such as chopped mushrooms, chopped tomato, chopped onion or chopped flat-leaf parsley. Cook until heated through. These aren't traditional to the original recipe, but some people prefer to add these ingredients, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
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Step 4Pour egg mixture into the skillet, and toss constantly, working quickly in this step (or you might end up with scrambled eggs). If needed, add 1 to 2 Tbsp cream and continue tossing until the sauce is creamy and sticks fairly well to the spaghetti. (The Carbonara Sauce should be creamy and not too gooey nor runny.)
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Step 5To serve, distribute the Spaghetti Carbonara among 6 to 8 individual dinner plates. Garnish each serving with fresh ground black pepper and remaining cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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