Spaghetti Carbonara is a comforting classic with its creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and perfectly cooked pasta. This simple yet elegant dish is a favorite for good reason. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a date night at home, Carbonara delivers rich, bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carbonara is the ultimate pasta dish for those who love bold, savory flavors. The crispy pancetta, creamy egg-based sauce, and bite of freshly cracked black pepper come together to create a meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Best of all, it uses pantry staples and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara
While the recipe is straightforward, these tips will help ensure your dish turns out restaurant-quality:
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate Parmigiano Reggiano yourself for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water is essential for creating the silky sauce, so don’t forget to save some before draining.
- Work Quickly Off Heat: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture. Toss the pasta continuously for a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional, but other long pastas like bucatini or fettuccine can work just as well.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Carbonara
Carbonara is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal. Here are some ideas to try:
- Gluten-Free Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp, tangy flavors of a Caesar salad balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra color and nutrition.
- Glass of Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti complements the bold flavors of Carbonara.
How to Store and Reheat
While Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth and warm over low heat, tossing gently to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the eggs in the sauce to scramble.
A Classic Worth Mastering
Spaghetti Carbonara proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its bold flavors and creamy texture, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a comforting dinner, Carbonara is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Pasta Carbonara
Ingredients
- 14 oz spaghetti
- 5 oz pancetta
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Black crushed pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the salt to the boiling water.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Dice the pancetta into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy.
- Transfer the cooked pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In a medium bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Save the whites for another use or discard them.
- Whisk the egg yolks with most of the grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Reserve some of the cheese for garnish.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper to the egg and cheese mixture and continue whisking until smooth.
- Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta fat. Toss the pasta over low heat until evenly coated.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg yolk and cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Toss the pasta constantly to combine the ingredients and form a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the crispy pancetta back to the skillet. Toss everything together to mix well.
- Serve immediately, dividing the pasta into portions. Garnish with the reserved Parmigiano Reggiano and additional black pepper, if desired.