Ingredients
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or other long pasta
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
For those who might not have pancetta on hand, bacon is a suitable substitute that offers a similar smoky richness. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, consider using mushrooms or a mix of seasonal vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta until crispy, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it with the pancetta and garlic mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.
One of Nonna Rosa’s best tips was to always remove the skillet from heat before adding the eggs, ensuring they cook gently from the residual warmth without scrambling. This technique is key to achieving the perfect creamy carbonara.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International