Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Melissa Jo's Pasta Carbonara! This classic Italian dish combines the rich flavors of crispy pancetta, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all brought together in a matter of minutes. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Dive in and discover the secrets to making the perfect Carbonara that will leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta
- 2 large eggs
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be as salty as the sea to properly season the pasta.
- While the water is heating, dice the pancetta into small, uniform cubes. Mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring they are chopped to a consistent size for even flavor distribution.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them together with the grated Parmesan cheese. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and create a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown, releasing its rich, savory fat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the pasta is cooked, immediately transfer it to the skillet with the pancetta using tongs. Toss the pasta to coat it with the rendered pancetta fat.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring rapidly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a silky, creamy sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the creamy sauce remains smooth and luxurious.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Ensure your pasta water is well-salted; it should taste like the sea. This is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the spaghetti.
- Perfectly Cooked Pancetta: Cook the pancetta until it's crispy but not burnt. The rendered fat will be the base for your sauce, so take your time to get it just right.
- Timing is Key: To achieve that silky sauce, make sure to combine the hot pasta with the egg and cheese mixture off the heat. The residual heat will cook the eggs without scrambling them.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help create that luxurious, glossy finish.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh parsley for garnish and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference!
- Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right away for the creamiest texture and to impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 645kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 93mg
