Perfect Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Pasta carbonara is one of those recipes that everyone seems to have their own version of! A classic Italian dish, pasta carbonara combines a simple but indulgent sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta. It’s rich in flavor yet surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe will help you master the art of making this creamy, comforting pasta. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a casual dinner party with friends.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) of dried fettuccine pasta or linguine pasta
• ½ cup (65g) of finely chopped pancetta, bacon, or smoked sausage
• ¼ cup (about 40g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80ml) of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Panettone Pasta Carbonara. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for cooking your pasta. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add salt and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes for fresh pasta or around 12-14 minutes for dried pasta.

While the pasta is cooking, heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sauté it until crispy but not overly browned. Remove the pancetta from the pan using tongs or a slotted spoon; set aside to drain on paper towels once done.

Step 2: Make the Carbonara Sauce. While the pasta is still in its last minute of cooking, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and the olive oil. Whisk everything together until smooth. Set aside this mixture; now it's time to combine the hot pasta with your pancetta in the pan.

Once the pasta is done, drain it well, reserving about ½ cup (120ml) of the pasta water. Return the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water back into the pot. This will help create a creamy sauce as you stir it together later with your carbonara ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Pasta Carbonara.

Add half of the pancetta back to the skillet, along with the egg mixture and remaining Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously over medium heat until the eggs are completely cooked through without breaking up into clumps. Be mindful not to overcook; you want your carbonara sauce to be thick but creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce.

Add the warm pasta back into the skillet, tossing it gently with the pancetta and carbonara sauce until everything is thoroughly mixed and coated. If necessary, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed; remember that Parmesan cheese already has quite a bit of saltiness, so you might not need much extra salt.

Step 5: Serve Pasta Carbonara.

Serve your delicious pasta carbonara hot straight from the pan or skillet. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy this hearty meal as is, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Pasta: If you can find it, fresh pasta will give your carbonara a silkier texture and richer flavor. However, dried pasta works just fine too.
• Don’t Overcook the Pancetta: Ensure that your pancetta is crispy but not overcooked to avoid making the dish greasy.
• Avoid Overcooking Eggs: Cooking the eggs carefully prevents them from turning into scrambled eggs in a pot!
• Use Quality Ingredients: While this recipe uses simple ingredients, quality will make all the difference. Choose good Parmesan and pancetta for the best results.

Pasta carbonara is not just about cooking; it’s also about enjoying it with friends or family. Share a plate of this dish and savor its creamy texture and savory flavor. This simple yet sophisticated recipe will satisfy your taste buds every time! Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests, pasta carbonara is sure to be a hit.