Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy texture, rich flavors, and simplicity. Made with few ingredients—typically pasta, eggs, pancetta or bacon, cheese, and black pepper—this dish is quick to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Here’s how to make Spaghetti Carbonara at home with a recipe that stays true to its traditional roots.

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Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti or other long pasta
• 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan), plus extra for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. Cook the Pancetta (or Bacon):

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced pancetta or bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. If using, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan), and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

1. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.
2. Immediately add the hot drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked pancetta (or bacon) and garlic.
3. Toss the pasta in the skillet over low heat to coat it evenly with the pancetta and garlic flavors.

5. Add the Egg Mixture:

1. Remove the skillet from heat.
2. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring continuously to coat the pasta evenly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If needed, add a small amount of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve:

1. Divide the Spaghetti Carbonara among serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
3. Serve immediately while hot.

7. Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy texture and savory flavors of the dish.

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Conclusion: Spaghetti Carbonara is a timeless Italian dish that showcases the simplicity and deliciousness of combining pasta with eggs, cheese, and pancetta or bacon. This recipe allows you to recreate the authentic flavors of Spaghetti Carbonara at home, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week. Enjoy the creamy texture, rich flavors, and comforting appeal of Spaghetti Carbonara with this easy-to-follow recipe.